Ignite 2025
23 October, 2024
Preparation is well underway for Ignite 2025.
Here Marifeil, from Gladstone, shares her experience of Ignite 2024
During the September school holidays a group of 21 high schoolers and 7 adults from our diocese attended the Ignite Conference in Brisbane. Ignite Conference is four days of inspiring workshops, explosive rallies, powerful sacraments, and enlightening speeches, keynotes and exhibitions, drawing together a network of high schoolers, young adults, ministry leaders, families, teachers and priests from around the country. The theme of the 2024 Ignite Conference ‘Rise Up’ encouraged us to elevate in a spiritual state and move into a frame of mind which brings us closer to God, allowing ourselves to be restored. Our group included youth from Mackay, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Monto travelling down in the Emmaus College Bus, staying at Brisbane YHA.
This was my first year at Ignite Conference, which was a transformative experience, and I found myself deeply moved by the powerful messages and the sense of community. I have been to 2 Ignite Summer Camps (which I would totally encourage any high schooler to sign up for!) and Ignite Conference was like the icing on the cake before heading into my final exams for high school as I discovered a deeper connection to God, gaining fresh insights that reshaped my understanding of faith and its role in my life.
Ignite Conference was a truly beautiful experience that left mine and the hearts of others light and renewed, overflowing with the presence of God and the Holy Spirit. Particularly during Adoration, I felt myself invited to pause, reflect and open myself up to God. It felt as if I was floating in a serene, boundless place, enveloped by a gentle light, feeling a profound sense of peace wash over me as I surrendered myself to God. As well as this, during Fr Will’s talk, I was moved when he stated, ‘God has got something planned for you.’ I really resonated with this especially now as I find myself in moments of uncertainty of my future beyond high school. I was reminded to trust in God and turn to him for comfort. I was urged to remain open knowing that my life is not just a series of random events, but rather a journey woven with the intention of God’s plan.
I returned home with a heart filled with joy and a renewed sense of purpose. I was enriched and reminded of God’s love and grace in my life, which encouraged me to embrace my daily life and faith with a new perspective, eager to live out the truths I had learned. We are so blessed to be given this opportunity to be formed in faith with a chance to reconnect with God in a vibrant and uplifting environment. It is clear that many were deeply moved by God, returning home not just changed, but emboldened to carry His light into their everyday lives, spreading hope and love to all whom they encounter.
