Post-Event Recap: Liberate 2025 — A Day of Brotherhood, Faith, and Challenge

April 12 at the Sanctuary of Fourvière, Leithfield

Liberate 2025 was an awesome example of what young men, grounded in faith, can become when they come together in pursuit of virtue, truth, and brotherhood. Organised by Fit for the Kingdom and the St. Thomas More Trust, the event gathered young men aged 15–26 from across the region for a full day of challenge, friendship, and deep formation.

The day began with Holy Mass, reverently celebrated by Fr. Michael from the Brothers of St. John. His homily was a spiritual anchor for the day, reminding all present of the example of St. John the Apostle — the beloved disciple who leaned on Christ’s heart and stayed close to Him in His Passion. Fr. Michael encouraged the young men to do likewise: to draw consolation from the Heart of Jesus, especially in times of confusion or struggle, and to seek the truth that sets us free. Hugely grateful to Fr Michael who took time out of his day to come up and celebrate Mass for us.

Throughout the day, a series of intellectually rich and spiritually nourishing talks helped deepen the participants’ understanding of virtue and the Christian life:

• Talk 1: Reading Scripture Like the Early Christians – Delivered by Dr. Robert Loretz, this session introduced the four senses of Scripture, with a special focus on the moral sense. Robert explained how Scripture is not only a source of knowledge but also a roadmap to the life of grace, helping us grow in virtue by shaping our desires, decisions, and relationships.
  

• Talk 2: The Virtue of Friendship — Man to Neighbour and God to Man – Dean Mischewski led a reflection on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, exploring how the Church Fathers interpreted it through the four senses of Scripture. The talk revealed how profound and personal the call to charity really is — both as a human virtue and as a reflection of God’s own love for us.
  

• Talk 3: The Theory of Friendship — Aristotle's Analysis – Returning to the theme of friendship, Robert Loretz explored the classical foundations laid by Aristotle. The young men were invited to think deeply about the kinds of friendships they form, and how true friendship — rooted in virtue — is essential to a good life.
  

• Talk 4: Getting More out of the Mass – At the beach, Robert delivered a final talk that opened up the mystery of the Eucharist. He connected the Mass to the theme of friendship with Our Lord, helping the young men see that Holy Communion is not just a ritual, but a living relationship — an invitation into the heart of Christ.
  

In between talks, the event offered plenty of opportunities for physical challenge and fraternity. Local legend Gerno van Niekerk provided a flame-grilled BBQ lunch, followed by a trek down the Kowai River. It was a chance to engage in conversation and enjoy the natural beauty of the area ending in a quick pit stop at the beach for another reflection from Dr. Robert Loretz. These moments — sharing food, walking and talking on the trail — were not distractions from the day’s spiritual goals, but essential parts of it. They proved that fraternity and faith are not separate things, but two sides of the same coin. True brotherhood grows strongest in the context of challenge, shared purpose, and grace.

In a world that often leaves young men isolated, passive, or disoriented, this day showed that there is another way — a better way, rooted in Catholic truth, genuine friendship, and the call to greatness. It was amazing to see all the young men in the area gather together, and hopefully the event provides a foundation for more of it’s type, and one that can reach out and minister to other men.

As Pope Benedict XVI famously said, “The ways of the Lord are not comfortable. But we were not created for comfort. We were made for greatness.”

Liberate 2025 was a reminder of that greatness — not the false kind of status or success, but the greatness of virtue, of friendship, and of a life lived with Christ at the center. Check out our upcoming events here: https://www.stmtrust.org.nz/upcoming