Download PDF version of this page27/06/2008
Press release
Issued by the Catholic Communications Network
Pope to meet former London gangster
fruit of the vine media press release
Pope to meet former London gangster
27 June 2008
An ex-gangster from London will be appearing alongside Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, which runs from Tuesday 15 July to Sunday 20 July.
John Pridmore will be speaking at the evening vigil on Saturday at Randwick Park Racecourse, which will be led by Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope will hear the former criminal describe how God dramatically changed his life.
Forty-four-year-old Pridmore was once an enforcer in the London underworld. His life revolved around stabbings, guns, vicious criminal gangs and major drug deals.
But in 1991 he underwent a profound spiritual experience after nearly killing a man in a fight outside a bar. As a result, his life changed radically.
Since then, he has spoken to an estimated one million people in parishes, schools, prisons and universities. His life story, From Gangland to Promised Land, has become a best-seller.
Pridmore will also be on stage with singer-songwriter Darlene Zschech and Hillsong United, Matt Maher and his Band and others at the Receive the Power Live concert on Friday July 18.
The concert will be held at Barangaroo in Sydney harbour. The venue has been specially constructed for World Youth Day and has a capacity for 150,000. Those unable to attend the concert will be able to watch it on large TV screens around the city.
The week-long programme of events at dozens of venues around Sydney includes drama, dance, music, speakers, workshops, prayer, Mass and catechesis.
For more information, contact Greg Watts at Fruit of the Vine Media on 07958-674159 or e-mail info.fruitofthevinemedia@virgin.net
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