We are passionate about helping people to grow through formation and accompaniment. This is why we get amazing speakers from across the world. Here’s who’s joining us this August.
Rt. Rev. David Oakley
Bishop of Northampton
Bishop David Oakley was ordained to the priesthood in July 1980. He holds a MEd degree from the Maryvale Institute, a PhD in Pastoral Theology from Oscott, and an STL from the Pontifical University of St Patrick’s, Maynooth.
As well as serving in several parishes within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Bishop David directed the Diocesan Department for Parish and Family Catechesis, developing resources in collaboration with CaFE. He was also appointed Pastoral Director and Procurator at Oscott College. He was ordained the thirteenth Bishop of Northampton in March 2020.
Bishop David is a strong supporter of New Dawn, and we look forward to welcoming him once again as Principal Celebrant for our closing Mass!
Fr. Leon Pereira O.P.
Chaplain to English-Speaking Pilgrims in Medjugorje
Fr. Leon Pereira O.P., is a Dominican friar of the English province. Though born and raised in Singapore, Fr. Leon has lived most of his life in Great Britain, qualifying as doctor before joining the Dominican Order and being ordained in 2004. Following his ordination, Fr. Leon served at Holy Cross in Leicester as well as at Blackfriars in Oxford and Oscott College in Birmingham where he taught seminarians moral theology.
Fr. Leon has been Chaplain to English-Speaking Pilgrims in Medjugorje (Bosnia-Herzegovina) since 2015, ministering to thousands of pilgrims from all over the world through gifted preaching and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Msgr John Armitage
Parish Priest, St. Margaret’s Canning Town
Msgr John Armitage is Parish Priest of St Margaret’s, the Catholic Community of Canning Town, North Woolwich and Silvertown. He was Rector of the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for five years and is a well known preacher and retreat giver. We are delighted to have Msgr John join us as a Principal Celebrant for our first New Dawn Weekend in August.
Fr Frankie Mulgrew
Precentor, Salford Cathedral
Ordained in 2013, Fr Frankie is a priest of the Diocese of Salford and is based with the team at Salford Cathedral as the Cathedral Precentor.
Fr Frankie has compiled and edited two books – Does God LOL? and Miracles R Us – with his authorship proceeds being donated to his favourite charity, Mary’s Meals, and he was part of the team which set up and operated ‘Mercy Bus’ in the UK during Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy.
Fr Frankie Mulgrew (whose from an entertainment background) initially followed in his family’s footsteps by becoming a stand-up comedian and professional entertainer, before eventually answering a calling to become a Catholic priest.
Gary Stephens
CEO, Prince of Peace Community
Gary Stephens is married to Joanne and together they have seven children and eight grandchildren. He has been involved in evangelisation ministry since 1992.
In 2018, Myles Dempsey, founder of New Dawn, appointed him his successor as Leader of the Prince of Peace Community, CEO of New Dawn and International New Dawn Chairman.
Accredited with a Bachelor of Divinity, Gary speaks at numerous Catholic conferences, retreats and seminars, both nationally and internationally. He is also involved with the Men of Saint Joseph and has an established prison ministry.
Daniella Stephens
Catholic Evangelist
Daniella Stephens is a member of the Prince of Peace Community and a Catholic Evangelist who regularly speaks at churches, schools and events across the UK and abroad. She gained an Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Divinity from the Maryvale Institute in 2018 and has been in ministry since 2021.