On May 3rd, 2025, something truly new blossomed in the Archdiocese of Birmingham: the very first Motus Christi held in the United Kingdom. Hosted at St Osburg’s Parish in Coventry, this gathering marked a hopeful beginning for a new path of spiritual encounter in a land rich in Christian tradition. The joy and openness of the participants were a clear sign that the Holy Spirit is still writing new pages in the story of faith.
One Faith, Many Faces
Sixteen participants from diverse backgrounds—Mexico, India, Ecuador, and Spain—came together with one heart and one desire: to encounter Christ in a living, personal way. This mosaic of cultures reflected the universality of the Church and the beauty of a community that finds unity in faith. What could have been a challenge became a strength, as each person shared their unique journey and together formed a single family in Christ.
A Welcoming Community
This initiative would not have been possible without the generous collaboration of the local parish community. We are especially grateful to Fr. Pontius Bandua, of the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries, who welcomed us with open arms and recognized in this encounter the action of the Holy Spirit. His support and enthusiasm, together with the openness of the faithful of St Osburg’s Parish, allowed Motus Christi to take root in Coventry. It was a shared effort—one that revealed how communion between different charisms can bring new life to the Church.
A Thirst for God
Throughout the day, a deep spiritual hunger was palpable. The reflections, the silence, the testimonies, and the shared prayer revealed a sincere longing for communion, for truth, and for a Church that feels like home. The image of the net from the Gospel—mended, cast again, full of life—became a symbol of the desire to be part of something greater: a renewed and healing Church. This first Motus Christi was not just an event—it was a seed, and we pray it continues to grow.
