St Clement of Rome retells an ancient myth that he heard about the Phoenix. The only bird of its kind, it lives for 500 years, then travels across land and sea to build itself a nest of frankincense and myrrh, then enters into it to die. Only, amazingly, it rises from its ashes and is reborn in a flame of fire.

Emmanuel Worship wrote a lyric I’ve been singing in my head on repeat this past year: ‘From the ashes we rise, above all the lies…' I think life can sometimes feel like ashes. I keep hearing how so many teenagers and young adults are struggling just to get through each year, each exam block, each family tension or relationship change. I can relate personally to the weariness the Phoenix must have felt as he journeyed across land and sea to make its nest. But we need to remember that was not the end of the story. It was a brand new beginning!

I believe this generation needs to 'rise up from the ashes' of Covid, our mental health, our personal challenges, and to breathe again. To step into a rebirth and renewed life. To discover hope and meaning and purpose again. Don’t you?

It’s time for all of us to rise up from our ashes and live with renewed purpose. To ascend like that Phoenix in the power of the Holy Spirit. To hold on to Jesus and the hope of his words when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will live forever…” - John 11:25

Ignite Conference 24 promises to be a powerful experience of life-giving hope that no-one should miss. Hosted at St Laurence’s College, Brisbane QLD, and Light of Christ Centre, Waitara NSW, I invite everyone to join me for four days of unforgettable Catholic music, speakers, dance, media, sacraments, workshops and worship. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to breathe into our lives, our Church and nation, so that together we RISE UP with renewed strength together!

 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” - Acts 3:6-8