Young Parishioner Meets the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace

On 15 May, Jia from St. Michael's and All Angels, Barnes, was among six young people who had the opportunity to visit Archbishop Sarah Mullally at Lambeth Palace. The visit was led by Fr Kieron Rowley and gave the group a chance to meet the Archbishop, hear about her journey of faith, and ask questions about her ministry.

Reflecting on the visit, Jia said:

 "At first, I felt a bit nervous about meeting Archbishop Sarah Mullally, especially as I had never met an Archbishop before. However, my nerves quickly faded as I discovered how down-to-earth and relatable she is.

 During our visit, she shared insights into her life experiences and the challenges she has faced. She spoke about making time to disconnect from technology in order to build a closer relationship with God, as well as the journey that led her to becoming an Archbishop. Hearing her speak so openly made me feel much more at ease.

“ I also had the opportunity to ask her several questions. She explained that her calling to ordination was a gradual process rather than a single defining moment, which I found particularly encouraging”.

“ I found the whole experience incredibly enlightening. As young people, it is important for us to understand the leaders of our Church and to hear their stories of faith. Overall, I think it was a fantastic trip, and I am extremely grateful to Fr Kieron Rowley for choosing me to be part of such a wonderful opportunity."

We are delighted that Jia was able to take part in this memorable visit and thank Fr Kieron Rowley for making this opportunity possible. Experiences like these help inspire and encourage young people as they explore their own faith and deepen their understanding of the wider Church.