More than 1,000 Catholics gathered in Dublin over Pentecost weekend for the Ignite Ireland conference, headlined by US theologian and author Dr Scott Hahn.
The Dominican-backed event, held at The Convention Centre Dublin on Saturday, May 23, brought together Catholics from parishes, ministries, movements and religious communities across the country under the theme ‘Turning Embers into Flames’.
Dr Hahn, founder and president of the St Paul Centre for Biblical Theology, delivered two talks during the day, focusing on Scripture, the Eucharist and the new evangelisation. He told attendees that he had heard “rumours of revival” in Ireland and said he believed those signs of renewal were real.
However, he warned that renewal would not mean simply returning to the “good old days”, but would require deeper Eucharistic faith, joy and witness. The new evangelisation, he said, is about “re-evangelising the de-Christianised”, including those who are baptised but have not fully encountered the Gospel.
Drawing on the story of the road to Emmaus, Dr Hahn said Christ chose to reveal himself “in the breaking of the bread”, presenting the Eucharist as central to the renewal of Christian faith and mission. In his morning address, he described Pentecost as “the unveiling of the power of the person of the Holy Spirit” and prayed that God would renew Ireland’s legacy of faith.
In his homily at Mass, Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork and Ross said the gathering was “a sign of hope” at a time when faith in Ireland can seem “fragile or uncertain”. He said Christians must speak “clearly and joyfully about Jesus Christ”, not as “a memory from the past”, but as someone alive who still changes lives.
Other contributors included Maura Murphy, co-founder of Holy Family Mission, who gave a testimony on encounter and mission; Fr Conor McDonough OP and Michelle Ward, who led a Holy Hour; Mike Shortt; Fr Patrick Cahill; and Archbishop Dermot Farrell, who led Evening Prayer.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of joy and friendship, with breaks giving attendees the chance to meet Catholic organisations from across Ireland. Younger participants were also gathered into 18–24 and 25–35 groups during lunch to help foster new connections.
