WelCom February 2024
Young Catholic adults from all over the country attended the 31st Hearts Aflame Summer School at Ngā Tawa Diocesan School, Marton, 29 December–7 January. They came for 10 days of prayer, formation, learning and sharing the joyful experience of a community of faith. This year’s theme was ‘Behold I make all things new’ – Rev 21:5.
Pictured with a group at the summer school is its chaplain and regular attendee, Palmerston North’s Bishop John Adams.
Hearts Aflame changed my life, says Bishop John. ‘It was at my first Hearts Aflame that my vocation first dawned on me. Until then I had always thought the Church was behind the times and out of date. But it was there that I realised it was me who was out of date. I really woke up with an intellectual conversion and I’ve gone to Hearts Aflame every year since, for the last 21 years.’
Bishop John was appointed its chaplain 15 years ago. ‘I’m thrilled Hearts Aflame is in my diocese and I can now be more present and help with some of the organising each year,’ he said.
The school is run by lay volunteers from around New Zealand who are passionate about Hearts Aflame mission. The school will take place again in January next year.
Visit heartsaflame.org.nz.
Photo: Supplied