The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF), themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” was a vibrant three-day celebration filled with joy, faith, and inspiration. Held in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December 2025 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the festival brought together thousands of young people from across the country as an occasion to deepen their relationship with God, to connect with each other and to discover the breadth of the Church’s life and mission with variety of spirituality.
Seeing Melbourne’s streets filled with young people radiating hope and faith was a true blessing. A special highlight was the return of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon to Australia. These powerful symbols remind us that we do not walk alone, Christ walks with His people, and that Mary accompanies us on our journey of faith. We are all sons and daughters of the light as true witnesses of hope in our land.
As members and representatives of the Pauline Family, we proudly took part in the ACYF event carrying the spirit of our congregations and prayerfully supporting and engaging in the renewal of the Church in Australia. We expressed our charism through simple symbols and engaging closely with the youth. It was a sacred experience to listen to them, acknowledge their journeys and accompany them in their search for meaning. The festival became a time of deep encounter with Christ, offering moments of joy, reflection, life experience, and renewed hope.
At the heart of the opening plenary was a surprise video message from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged young Australians to embrace their God-given identity and walk boldly as disciples in today’s world. They were also warmly greeted by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who affirmed that every young person has a place in the Church, belongs in the community of faith, and is deeply valued. He sees the Church as a place for all where Jesus Christ loves you, he gave his life to save you and now he is walking beside you all the time. He encourages the use of prayer and sacraments as a way for young people to hear God’s voice clearly and to feel connected, rather than isolated by technology.
Participants enjoyed an array of enriching activities, including:
- Uplifting plenary sessions
- Motivational workshops
- Dynamic praise and worship
- Lively festivities celebrating faith and community
- Prayer Experiences
- Youth testimony
- Expo and Justice Centre
More than 6,000 young people came together, united by a shared desire to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. One standout moment was an inspiring talk by Sister Mary Grace, who reminded everyone that “You are not God’s project—you are God’s beloved son or daughter, and your life brings Him delight.” Your life was not meant for loneliness, but with Christ, and he is seeking you every single second. Therefore, life is not a competition but it is a pilgrimage God has planned for you, for God’s care is constant.
The Australian Catholic festival was wrapped up in Melbourne, farewelling pilgrims with a commissioning mass that featured the breadth of the Catholic Church in Australia. Archbishop; Peter Comensoli on his closing remarks to all the pilgrims said “May the journey changes their hearts and renew their lives. You are the spirit new shoots and the spirit has been growing in you. Just like Jesus who is forever young. Therefore, go out in hope and try to look towards where Jesus is trying on his way to greet you. Go out courageously to meet him for he is waiting for you.”
The 2025 ACYF will be remembered as a powerful moment of unity and renewal for the Church in Australia. Through prayer, celebration, and shared experience, young Catholics were strengthened in their faith and inspired to continue their journey as true “pilgrims of hope.”
Sr. Anita D’Souza and Sr. Lalamea Vaohea
