The Young Christian Workers has officially welcomed its new President, Marc Besford, this week. This follows his unanimous election at the 80th National Council of the YCW held back in March 2019.
Marc has been a member of the National Team for the nearly 3 years and the paid worker for the last 2 years, following his time leading activity in his parish up in Billingham. The President is a voluntary position, involving chairing the regular team meetings and annual National Council, representing the YCW at home and abroad, and coordinating the training and development programme.
Marc will continue to work as the National Training and Development Worker and be based at the Trafford Park HQ.
He takes over from Kate Wilkinson, a long-time member of the YCW who became involved in the movement when she was at high school. Kate currently works as a School Chaplain and is involved in numerous Catholic youth ministry projects. Thankfully, she will continue to support the work of the YCW alongside her other work around the country.
Commenting on his new role, Marc said: “I have experienced things through the YCW that I wouldn’t have dreamed of, I have met new people and made friends who have helped and supported me and most of all, I have developed my skills and learnt new ones as a person and as a leader. That is why I feel so privileged to have been elected President and I will do my upmost to keep our movement growing!”
This week also marked the 52nd anniversary of the death of Fr. Joseph Cardijn, who founded the YCW in Belgium in 1925 and was later to be made a Cardinal for his work with the movement. Cardijn visited Britain on a number of occasions, remarking that "it was the best retreat I made at the beginning of my priesthood." He was inspired by his talks with Trade Union leaders, clergy and of course, local workers.
