CHRISTCHURCH Organisers of Hearts Aflame, an annual 10-day Catholic summer school, have attributed a 30 per cent increase in enrolment to enthusiasm following last years World Youth Day in Sydney. Started in 1991, Hearts Aflame is designed to help young Catholics to grow in their faith through catechesis, formation, prayer and fellowship. This years gathering, with about 140 students, 20 priests and religious and a 15-person organising team, was held at St Bedes College in Christchurch.
Bishops Barry Jones and Basil Meeking attended some sessions.
Brendan Malone, one of the organisers, said World Youth Day was a great event for the Church and exposed young Kiwi Catholics to some of the Church’s traditions. Those who were in Sydney are asking for more of the same at Hearts Aflame.
The participants we have this year, because of WYD, have a solid grasp of adoration, prayer of the Church, and there is a discernible hunger for good liturgy, catechesis and adoration that is greater than previous years, he told NZ Catholic.
The theme for the 2009 school, from January 9 to 18, was One Life to Give, with a focus on vocation, a giving of oneself to something greater. Talks from priests, religious and lay people reflected that theme.
In addition to lectures, prayer, Mass and other devotions, students also played sport, held praise and worship sessions and had opportunities to participate in group discussions.
