Over 6,000 young people and staff from Catholic schools and parishes across Australia gathered in Melbourne from 30 November – 2 December for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF), a vibrant three-day celebration of faith, learning and community.
For many students, the experience was personally meaningful.
Going to the Catholic Youth Festival was such an amazing experience. It was something I had never done before and I am so glad I decided to do it. I felt a lot more connected to God and Jesus as well as my friends who went and I feel much more supported knowing there are so many young Christians in Australia.
The Festival opened at St Patrick’s Cathedral with Archbishop Peter Comensoli’s blessing and a procession of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon, before pilgrims continued to the Melbourne Convention Centre to be welcomed by Pope Leo XIV.
Throughout the event, students explored a wide range of exhibitions including the Shroud of Turin, John Dunn’s Aboriginal Stations of the Cross, and portraits of women of faith such as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The Expo & Justice Centre featured more than 100 exhibitors, with several students volunteering alongside Mr Aaron Charles at the Catholic Mission stall.
The atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and filled with opportunities to connect with other young people.
The ACYF was an energetic experience that brought together young people from across the country to celebrate, learn, and connect. I enjoyed the music, workshops, and speakers who encouraged us to think about our values, our goals, and how we can make a positive impact in our communities.
Many students valued the rich program of workshops, plenary sessions, and faith-based encounters.
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival was an incredibly enriching and uplifting event that brought together young people from all across Australia to celebrate their faith in a dynamic and supportive environment. The workshops explored themes such as social justice, the meaning of suffering, mental health, and spiritual growth, while the plenaries featured inspiring speakers and worship music that made the experience even better. The 5km pilgrimage walk created a strong sense of solidarity, and the festival stalls offered resources and opportunities to connect with ministries and community groups.
The sense of community, shared faith, and personal testimony left a lasting impact.
I feel incredibly fortunate that I got the chance to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. It was a beautiful and eye-opening experience that helped me see the world from a different perspective. Being surrounded by thousands of young Catholics was inspiring and uplifting. The energy during the music, workshops, and testimonies was electric, and the stories of overcoming challenges through faith really spoke to me. It was an unforgettable journey of spiritual growth, connection, and celebration.
Over the three days, students participated in workshops, plenaries, music, prayer, and community-building activities led by ICON Ministry, the Passionist Retreat Team, Real Talk Australia, Caritas, Gen Bryant, and Fr Rob Galea. The Festival concluded with a vibrant Commissioning Mass, sending all participants forth as Pilgrims of Hope.
The College congratulates and thanks all students who attended and represented our community with enthusiasm, faith, and a genuine commitment to embracing this transformative experience.