Ignite Your Torch Conference
"Ignite your torch! Conquer for Christ!"
This was the cry of nearly 300 youth gathered in the gym on the campus of St. Catharine College in Springfield, Ky. Since 2009, this campus has become the training ground for Catholic high schoolers as they go forth amongst their peers as martyrs – witnesses to the faith.
The Ignite Your Torch Conference was created in response to World Youth Day, started by our beloved St. John Paul II. It places a strong emphasis on our individual, particular calls to holiness and better prepares youth to proudly cling to their Catholic identity, even in the midst of our often anti-religious society.
On this retreat, the youth are able to partake in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist; share in the community of youth from other parts of our country; interact with many priests and religious; attend workshops where they may learn how to better defend their Faith; and to stand up for Life as they pray and silently witness outside of the abortion mill in downtown Louisville, Ky.
IYT begins and ends with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Devotion to Our Lady also sets the tone for the weekend, as at the end of the first night the participants all join in a candlelit Rosary procession with her image.
The youth and adults also have the opportunity to praise God joyfully through recreation and music. There is a religious vs. youth dodgeball tournament, line dancing, praise and worship throughout the weekend and other fun activities.
Adoration of Our Dear Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament is a very central part of the weekend. IYT participants are able to have that time to become intimate with their Eternal Love, the Most Blessed Trinity. It is in adoration that the rest of the weekend finds its place, and by which the conference bears fruit. It is that time during which attendees may sit with their Creator, Savior, Friend and King. They all have the opportunity to kiss or touch the veil around Jesus, just as the woman in the Gospel touched Him and was healed.
The great spiritual warfare that surrounds us is brought to light in this conference. This war – which Christ has already won – is ever waged on us, the Church militant, by Satan. During this retreat, participants are on the front lines as they go before the abortion mill to pray for the women and children inside. It is that ancient struggle between life and death. And it is Christ, our Life, who triumphs. All at IYT are reminded, "Jesus is Lord!" And our hope lies in the Name of the Lord, Who made the heavens and the earth.
At Ignite Your Torch, each person is reminded to strive for greatness, to be a saint, to answer that call to Love and to be joyful. For it is by this Love and Joy that we shall win hearts for the Lord, and by which we shall set the whole world ablaze.
Therefore... Ignite your torch! And Conquer for Christ!
