The Hope and Renewal Summit in Palmerston North is transforming parishes — and hearts — for mission and evangelization.
By Fr. Hemi Ropata, SM | Catholic Parish of Napier
Before sharing what happened over the weekend of the Hope and Renewal Summit, it may help to give a little context. When I arrived in Napier, I found a parish carrying many quiet wounds. Over the years, people have weathered losses, farewelled many loved ones, and at times felt spiritually stretched or unseen. Yet, beneath that, there has always been a faithful core and a deep longing for renewal.
So when I sat at my table and found eight parishioners eager to learn, dream, and pray, I was moved. As the summit went on, I watched hope rise in them. I heard them say things like, “Let’s try that on Sunday!” and I realized how ready many in our community are for new beginnings.
One moment in particular touched me deeply. At the end of the summit, when priests were asked to identify themselves and people were invited to lay hands on them, our parishioners immediately gathered around me. As they prayed, I burst into tears because I felt something I didn’t know I needed: the simple grace of being held in prayer by the very people I serve. In that moment I felt, very clearly, “these are my people. God has given them to me.” This kind of realization should fill a young priest with fear and trembling, but I know that the Holy Spirit goes before me and my brother priests go alongside me.
WATCH: Highlights from the Hope and Renewal Summit. (Divine Renovation)
I don’t yet know what the next steps will look like for our parish. Beginnings are often messy. But the Hope and Renewal Summit taught me two things: hope is contagious, and there is nothing more powerful than when the people of God begin to move.
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