NOYE puts our students on the road to follow St Eugene

Eleven Iona students, accompanied by three staff members, attended the National Oblate Youth Encounter (NOYE) from 4–7 January 2026.

This gathering brought together around 70 young people from across four Australian states and marked the first NOYE in 25 years to be held in a fully Oblate-owned and operated retreat centre.

Facilitated by our College Chaplain Fr Josh Nash OMI and his team, including Old Boy Gabriel Sampaolesi, the encounter centred on the theme “On the Road – Humans, Christians, Saints.”

Participants engaged in inspiring keynote sessions, practical workshops, and rich conversations that invited them to reflect on their identity, faith, and call to holiness.

Daily spiritual encounters, which included Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, and prayer, were complemented by engaging community experiences, including games, an Amazing Race, creative skits, and shared meals. There was also time for genuine connection, laughter, and friendship.

The experience was both joyful and formative, strengthening each student’s sense of belonging within the wider Oblate family and encouraging them to continue their journey of faith with courage and purpose.