Reflection

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is excited to host the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in 2025. The Festival is a national gathering of young Catholics, established by the Australian Bishops 12 years ago. Run over three days, it provides youth and young adults from across Australia with the opportunity to connect with each other, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world, and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia. 

Nazareth College is taking 60 students from Years 9 - Year 12 to this year's event.

Here are some reflections from some young people who attended the last Festival in 2019: -

Felicia Nasalio, from Darra Jindalee parish, was at the ACYF, deepening her faith and deepening her love for Jesus. Felicia, 23, had four simple reasons for her pilgrim journey to Perth for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival this week. She wanted to connect with young people, deepen her faith, deepen her love for Jesus and ignite the spark she felt inside.  She said she had been feeling lost lately, and “I feel like the Holy Spirit is actually calling me here”. Her call was one of 5500 at ACYF 2019. 

David King said he would bring home some important lessons from the ACYF.

“It’s also just the knowledge that I’m getting here that I can teach to others,” he said.

“Many different things I could bring back, but it’s really just to provide anything to anyone who’s asking questions about the faith. “This event just allows me to be there for them. 

“Literally what the message of this year is, to listen to what the Spirit is saying; it’s basically inspiring me on how I can best help others.”

https://catholicleader.com.au/news/young-people-share-acyf-experiences/

May we pray that the 60 Nazareth students going this year are able to really encounter Jesus and share the Gospel message in creative ways with the Nazareth Community.

Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.