Palmerston North Diocese’s Hui was AWESOME!!!!

Since our Dio is so spread out, we had people coming from Taranaki, Whanganui, Palmerston North and also coming down from far parts of Hawkes Bay – and what can I say, all together, what a dynamic group and AMAZING bunch of people!

We came from near and far to unite centrally at Hato Paora College to spend time together, sleep on the floor, sing some waiata, learn about all the killer animals in Aussie (thanks A LOT Jonny Boon!) and play some interesting mingling games like SHAABANG – a very loud and unique arm movement game!

It was only 24 hours but we squeezed in so many memorable things - even a talent show and a beautiful candle lit midnight mass.
The Hui was a great time to get to know more of our fellow pilgrims, go over some details of our trip and even talk about what we want to come back to when we return from WYD.

It was very cool that our Bishop came out to spend some time with us too.

I left the Hui feeling really… well… TIRED! Haha, but importantly very excited and close to God. Thankyou to all those involved in the preparation – it was special and extremely worthwhile.
May we all take that enthusiasm we shared, back to the corners of our dio and share it with our families’ parishes and friends. It has made my anticipation towards World Youth Day even more powerful and the true excitement for WYD is forever brewing!
Thank you also to Hato Paora College – your facilities were fantastic and you were all sooo hospitable and welcoming.

Blessings, Jane Dravitzki

PS: I can't seem to find a good big group photo of us all but heres a nice photo of the Hawkes Bay group! If anyone in our dio has any good photos they'd like to share please do contact me - as you know i'm not too scary!

Haha, take care.