Camilla De Luca came from Padua, Italy to take part. This was her first visit to Liverpool. She said, ‘I am an art student so I have really enjoyed being in such a big and beautiful Cathedral. It has also really helped my English language skills.’

 

Owen Edwards from North Wales said, ‘I am doing a doctrinal project on Cathedrals and young people at Glyn Dor University, so I wanted to experience how Cathedrals engage with young people at first hand. It has been a really enjoyable experience and I feel privileged to have helped maintain such a beautiful building.’ 

 

Oscar said, ‘I was amazed by the intricacies involved and just how much work goes into maintaining the cathedral on a day to day basis. Helping to clean the high altar has been a fantastic experience and reflects the way we have been welcomed here.’  

Juan de Torres from Spain said, ‘I study history in Spain so it is very interesting to me. By helping at the Cathedral it also makes you feel good as well.’

Alexander Court from France added, ‘I have visited many churches and cathedrals in France so it was really interesting to compare them to Liverpool Cathedral.’ 

My experience of Cathedral Camps last year in Worcester gave me a strong interest in volunteering. I have already had the chance to co- lead at St Mary’s Episcopal, Edinburgh this year. I am very eager to take those skills and experiences onto Liverpool - as it is a great way to give something back to the community.’  

Owen added, ‘By leading a group of young people, we all get the opportunity to learn something about the history of some of the oldest buildings in the UK, go behind the scenes of the cathedral where the public do not usually have access as well as giving the volunteers the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the country, if not the world.’

Canon Anthony Hawley from Liverpool Cathedral said, ‘We are delighted to be welcoming these young people to our Cathedral and are very grateful to them for the time and energy they will be giving us. By helping with maintenance and actually living here for the week, they will get a unique insight into the effort and care that it takes to look after a building like this. Their hard work will certainly be appreciated, and we hope that they go away with an even stronger respect for historic places of faith as important examples of our cultural heritage.’