When the gates opened for The FEST 2023 on Aug. 6 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, thousands of people poured in eager for a day of faith, family and fun. The sun shone brightly for most of the day as visitors enjoyed music by top Christian recording artists Katy Nichole, Big Daddy Weave, Jeremy Camp and Chris Tomlin on The FEST stage. It was the 23rd year for the celebration. “Arise” was the theme, which linked the event to the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which was celebrated that day.
The CPL grounds were dotted with tents featuring information on vocations, diocesan ministries, schools, pro-life organizations, the Knights of Columbus, nonprofits and others. FEST attendees could take home information and giveaways.
(See photo gallery above featuring a variety of images from throughout the event.)
Elsewhere on the spacious grounds, there were activities for children and teens, a family blessing tent, a booth where people could request prayer intentions to be remembered during The FEST Mass, inflatables, craft tents, BMX demonstrations and the popular petting zoo.
The Man Cave featured prizes and games like air hockey, corn hole, giant Jenga and more. The nearby Marc’s Mom’s Relaxation Station offered women a chance to take a break, pick up some giveaways and sign up for prize drawings. Some of the big-ticket items included a washer and dryer set, prize baskets, a year’s supply of cleaning products, Bose speakers and headphones and gift cards.
There also were food vendors who had everything from hamburgers, hot dogs, sub sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit, fries and beverages to shaved ice, funnel cakes fruit smoothies, ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Opportunities for worship included praying the rosary hourly throughout the day in the rosary tent, the family blessing tent, reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration in Sacred Heart Chapel and the highlight of the day, the closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic.
Father Bob Stec and The FEST core team encountered a hurdle as storm clouds developed during Chris Tomlin’s 6 p.m. performance. Some attendees left while others sought shelter in their cars. Many braved the rain under ponchos, umbrellas and tents.
As FEST volunteers tried to prepare the stage for Mass, the rain and wind got stronger. They monitored he weather forecast and were optimistic the Mass could take place outdoors as planned. But the downpour caused large puddles throughout the grounds so FEST organizers pivoted and decided to move Mass inside the field house.
Word rippled through the crowd about the change in venue and people began moving across the CPL grounds, sloshing through the puddles as they sought shelter in the field house. FEST officials estimated more than 1,000 people crammed into the field house where they quickly set up an altar and chairs for the concelebrants and deacons participating in the liturgy. The faithful crammed into every corner of the building, filling up the bleachers, folding chairs that were set up and even sitting on blankets. Volunteers continually mopped the floor to ensure no one slipped on the wet surface. Everyone took the change in stride.
About 9 p.m., the Knights of Columbus formed an honor guard as the clergy entered the field house. Bishop Malesic, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and Bishop Thelagathoti Joseph Raha Rao, bishop of Vijawada, India were the celebrant and principal concelebrants.
The FEST choir, wearing yellow T-shirts, occupied one section of the bleachers and led the music.
Bishop Malesic said it reminded him of his days as a college campus minister when typically Mass was offered late on Sunday night. He also said World Youth Day – attended by a cohort from the diocese -- concluded that day in Portugal and it was the feast of the Transfiguration.
“Lord, it is good that we are here. Let us rejoice and be glad. May we have eyes of faith,” he said.
As he wrote in his weekly Scripture reflection, the bishop noted that Jesus was much more than a gifted rabbi and storyteller. “He is God. We gather here because we are believers in Jesus Christ. He promised to remain with us until the end of time. He is with us in all tabernacles everywhere.”
The bishop noted Pope Francis lamented that people forget how to adore the Lord. “Let this Mass be an act of adoration. Jesus thirsts for our love. The special sacrament of his presence – the Eucharist -- makes us unique and gives hope for the future. We will be fine,” he added. “Jesus wants us to move forward with him. We walk toward him with our love and he reaches out to us. God knows each of us – our thoughts and desires. He is an intimate God. We don’t have to be afraid to arise and claim him, to know him, to arise to the Gospel of life. The Son of God became man, died for us, rose from the dead and will be with us always. It is time to tell it now. Proclaim Jesus by your words and deeds to the spiritually and materially poor,” he said.
“Oh, Church, arise from your sleep and Christ will give you light. Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As you are blessed tonight, be a blessing to others,” he told the faithful. “Don’t be afraid to share the Gospel of the Lord.”
After Mass, Father Stec had some good news: the rain had stopped and the fireworks show would go on since the display already was loaded and ready to go. “Look up in the sky as you leave,” he said.
The FEST raffle winners normally are announced in the evening, but due to the weather, Father Stec said the winners would be announced online.
As cleanup began, FEST organizers also started planning for next year’s event.
“The 24th FEST will take place on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024,” Father Stec said.
Stay abreast of FEST news and plans for next year by clicking here.