Bishop George Kolodziej SDS with Qwayne Guevara from the National Centre for Evangelisation at the youth festival. (PHOTO: ACBC)
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival has been hailed as a time of listening, deepening of faith and friendship, with a number of religious congregations taking part and sharing their charism with the young people.
About 6000 young people from around Australia and the Oceania region gathered from November 30 to December 2 for the festival, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The festival began with masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral and a pilgrim walk to the host venue, accompanied by the World Youth Day cross and icon. It included talks, prayer experiences, masses, workshops, forums, live concerts, engagement with bishops, games, a justice activity centre and an interactive expo.
Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry delegate for youth George Kolodziej SDS DD has written a letter expressing his hopes for young people.
“I have been encouraged by your enthusiasm and witness to Jesus Christ, our friend, who accompanies us along the journey of life,” Bishop Kolodziej said in the letter, which can be found in full here.
“We worshipped and prayed together, listened to one another, deepened our faith, and met new friends from across our great country.
Sr Rita Malavisi RSJ with young people at the ACYF in Melbourne (PHOTO: Sisters of St Joseph)
“We now turn to our local communities, embracing our call to be missionary disciples. Let us share our joy as we prepare for World Youth Day 2027 in Korea and the International Eucharistic Congress 2028 in Sydney.
“I invite all young people of Australia to make their home with Christ and to remain in Him, the true Vine (John 15:5). To remain is to dwell. As we do, we draw life from Him daily, and when we live His word, love, and Spirit, we bear fruit. When we are apart from God, we wither.
“In our world wounded by division and disconnection, we can experience isolation and hopelessness. When we are at home with Christ, we can overcome isolation and hopelessness because we are one with the One.”
During the festival, Pope Leo XIV shared a video message, saying in part: “I encourage you to build networks and friendships with one another and work together to build up the Kingdom of God in your local areas.”
Reflecting on the Pope’s words, Bishop Kolodziej encouraged young people to take “confidence in our connectedness”.
“Share your home in Christ in your friendships, families, and communities,” he said.
“Commit to prayer and service of others, especially those most in need.
“There you will discover the expansive and exciting vision for your life that God has set before you. There you will discover a life full of joy (John 15:11).”
Among the Religious present was Sr Rita Malavisi RSJ, who said that a workshop titled, Mary MacKillop: A Pilgrim of Hope provided a place for the young people to hear about the life of Mary MacKillop, through the journeys in her life, and how she lived her life trusting in the Providence of God.
The Capuchin Franciscan Friars were also among the Religious taking part in the festival. (PHOTO: Facebook)
“Mary’s path was never straightforward or easy. It was marked by long distances, uncertainty, sacrifice and an unshakable trust in God’s providence. The participants explored how Mary’s journeys took her across rugged landscapes, dusty roads, rough seas, from the city of Melbourne to the outback of South Australia, from rural communities to Rome itself. In every place she went, Mary carried a message of hope, compassion and education for those most in need,” Sr Rita said.
“Hope is most definitely alive in the sense of mission in the young people of Australia. The festival reminds us that the youth are not just future members of the Church, but are present day contributors of hope and transformation,” she said.
This article is drawn from an ACBC media release and an article in the Mary MacKillop Enews.