From the 9th to the 12th of July 2026, the Ignite Conference was held at St Leo’s Catholic College in the Diocese of Broken Bay. This conference brought together diverse networks of high schoolers, young adults, ministry leaders, families, teachers, priests, and religious from across Australia, with some attendees traveling from Christchurch, New Zealand. It was an active, joyful, and highly spiritual encounter for all who participated.

During the opening Mass, Bishop Michael Gielen of Christchurch, NZ, stated in his opening remarks, ‘We are adventures of faith.’ He continued, saying that we keep on climbing to reach the summit of our faith. Jesus was climbing until the cross. At every Eucharistic celebration, we climb to reach the core of our Christian faith and we are invited to keep on climbing, despite the challenges of life, without giving up.

The four-day conference was an experience made up of worship, life testimonies, speakers, volunteers and attractive booths displaying different religious congregations. We feel truly fortunate to be present at this event with the booth of the Pauline Family, shared with Fr. Anthony from the Society of St. Paul and Sr. Philomena of the Daughters of St. Paul.

The energy was high, the shared stories were inspiring, and the speakers were encouraging. Each day led the delegates on an adventure of faith intended to invite, challenge, encourage, and allow an encounter with a real and present God. We were deeply moved by the young people, witnessing what they are capable of and listening to their hidden desires—desires so characteristic of youth. Many spoke of their longing for connection, friendship, and silence, and they actively sought tangible items to anchor their spirituality, such as holy cards and meaningful messages.

At the Pauline Family booth, we shared with the youth who we are, as well as our various ministries and charisms. They were particularly keen to learn more about St. Paul the Apostle and Mary, Queen of the Apostles. We gifted everyone who stopped by a handmade rosary bracelet with an attached medal. For those who asked for more information, we provided a bookmark with a QR code directing them to our website, www.pddm.org.au.

We came back from the Ignite Conference with a sense of gratitude for having witnessed to the work of the Holy Spirit and the passion for mission and genuine faith in Jesus. Bishop Michael Gielen in his closing remarks compared us to gardeners: we are all accountable and responsible for our own growth in our Catholic identity. We need to take time to water our “gardens” and take care of it well for we are all created in the likeness of God.

Sr. Lalamea Vaohea and Sr. Finehika Fonua