Hearts Aflame summer school 2015
Hearts Aflame, a 10-day Catholic annual summer school open to young adults aged 18–35, has been underway in New Zealand since 1992. It is organised by a team of lay volunteers dedicated to serving, living and sharing the truth and fullness of the Catholic faith in New Zealand. Hearts Aflame 2015, held at Nga Tawa College, Marton, from 2–11 January, featured strong international and local speakers including the Sisters of Life from New York and world-renowned author and speaker Fr Jacques Phillipe.
Hannah and Paul McCardle
We attended Hearts Aflame this year for the first time. We were a bit apprehensive and not sure what to expect. but the friendly, open atmosphere and variety of Catholic ‘treasures’ we participated in made Hearts Aflame a positive and enriching experience for us both.
The first weekend – a retreat led by Fr Jacques Phillipe – enabled us to settle into the rhythm of the summer school and focus on God. Fr Jacques shared amazing insights with us about prayer in faith, hope and love.
He said it is not our emotions or experiences that put us in touch with God; rather it is the act of faith taken when we enter into sincere prayer. What we experience or feel during prayer is a gift.
During the week we reflected on these insights to connect with God as we took part in daily Mass, liturgy of the hours, praise and worship.
We also attended lectures on various topics. It was a blessing to spend time learning about our faith and Church in such a positive environment.
A major
blessing was meeting and talking with many religious. During a casual philosophical discussion with a priest or sister over lunch, it was inspiring to hear how God had called them to their vocations.
We are thankful to have attended Hearts Aflame and would recommend it to any young adult.
Hannah and Paul McCardle are a young married couple involved in leadership at Jesus4Real camps. Our Lady of Fatima, Tawa supported their attendance at Hearts Aflame 2015.