If you drive past the town of Marton around New Year’s, you might be surprised by an unusual sight: 150 young people gathered in a chapel at 7:30am, singing with all their hearts!
It is, of course, Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School, which brings together young adults from all over the country every summer for ten days of prayer, community, and formation in the faith.
Hearts Aflame has been running since 1992, so the 2026 school was the 33rd. For more than ten years it has been held at Ngā Tawa Diocesan School in Marton, in the Palmerston North Diocese. Bishop John Adams has also had a long association with the school and even received his call to the priesthood at a Hearts Aflame. The school remains in high demand, with registrations for 2026 selling out in less than 12 hours back in July 2025.
So, what attracts so many young people to spend ten days of their summer learning and praying? The 2026 theme was “Rise up and Rejoice!”, and the joy of being with other young Catholics is a huge part of what draws people back year after year. A healthy rhythm of prayer and lectures on theology, spirituality, and philosophy is balanced with small group chats, shared meals, and time to rest and relax with others. Visit Ngā Tawa on a summer afternoon and you’ll find competitive games of football (made even more so by some very skilful Dominican and Franciscan brothers, and the odd priest, sister, or seminarian!), others playing tennis with a Jesuit, and still others cooling off in the school pool or simply having a good chat in the shade.
This year we were blessed with the presence of Fr Frank Bird sm, who led the School’s opening retreat, challenging us to think deeply about both the desires of our hearts and the hurts we carry — and to bring them all to Jesus. Other inspiring moments included our vocations day, with testimonies from couples, priests, and religious, and beautiful times of prayer and procession with the Blessed Sacrament. Equally encouraging was the large number of attendees from the Palmerston North Diocese: a great sign for the future life and joy of our local Church.
Tired but inspired, Hearts Aflame 2026 participants returned to their parishes encouraged to bring that joy and life to others, and to step forward in faith, trusting Jesus to walk with them into the joy of the Resurrection.
Photos: supplied.
