www.vocation.com went "down under" for the Hearts on Fire Vocations Congress  which took place in Melbourne, Australia  October 16th-18th, 2003.

"That very day two of them were going to a village named  Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem..." (Luke 24:13). The story of the disciples of Emmaus served as the scriptural theme for the congress, a meditation on how many people journey through life without recognizing that Christ is right beside them!

The Hearts on Fire Vocational Congress was a great celebration of faith that was at once fun, prayerful, informative and educational.

The congress opened with the Pilgrim's Walk through the center of Melbourne to St Patrick's Cathedral where hundreds gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the Year of the Rosary and the 25th Anniversary of the Pontificate of John Paul II. A Holy Hour for vocations lead by Archbishop Hart followed. Friday activities and included the Exhibition of Catholic Life at the Royal Exhibition Building. A total of 135 artists and musicians including world-famous juggler Paul Ponce of the Cirque de Soliel, setup workshops and performed throughout the morning. Over 4,000 students from the Archdiocese of Melbourne and surrounding dioceses attended. 

Vocation.com's Danny Gonzales (left) and Jim Littleton (right) set up a vocation.com display in the exhibition hall.  On Saturday, October 18th, the participants spent the morning in workshops dealing with all kinds of questions regarding vocations. Fr Anthony Bannon, LC, who is the author of Peter on the Shore and Vocation Questions and Answers, and answers questions on vocation.com directed one of the workshops which attracted scores of young people.

Adoration for Vocations was also held throughout the morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Priests and religious were available for one-on-one vocation discernment and guidance.

Morning activities were followed by a Family picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens for all  families, parishes, religious congregations, Catholic agencies and visitors to Melbourne to celebrate the role of the family in the promotion of vocations.  Three great days came to a close with the Celebration of the Eucharist in St. Patrick's Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Hart.