ACYF Report from Bishop Greg Bennet

Dear Friends

RE: AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL 2025

Warmest greetings from Melbourne! There’s been quite a buzz at the Melbourne Convention Centre these last few days as 6000 young Catholics have come together as Pilgrims of Hope. 242 pilgrims are from the parishes, Colleges, and youth groups from the Diocese of Sale, wearing distinctive bandannas which distinguish them among the thousands. 

Yesterday, thanks to Brother Tony Clark fms, our Sale pilgrims came together to reflect upon the experience of ACYF at this mid-way point. All reflected on the inner joy of the unity of faith which such a festival brings. We have been so proud to see and hear Zara Hanratty (St Michael's Traralgon - NET Team) speak as one of the three plenary leaders. Addressing the entire festival, Zara shared about her experience of the effects of social media and of a transformational moment at a church camp: ‘It was the first time that I experienced a love that was not transactional, a love that was not earned, and a love that looks like Jesus.’ Her words resonated deeply with her fellow pilgrims. 

Among the many highlights have been the spiritual experiences of praise and worship, the testimonies of faith from so many young people, the moments of teaching from keynote speakers, the reconciliation opportunities and the occasions where the God of surprises has stirred in the hearts of our pilgrims. The encouraging video message received from Pope Leo XIV and presented on the opening night echoed the invitation of our host, the Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli, to 'come to the upper room' and allow the Spirit of Pentecost to awaken us by the power of Jesus' love. 

The final day awaits us and no doubt all the pilgrims will be weary from their experience of the festival. When we gather later today for the celebration of Mass, we will encounter the Living Word and the gift of Eucharist. We will be commissioned and sent forth as missionary disciples, profoundly renewed by this pilgrimage experience. I pray in thanks for all who have supported our journey and for our young pilgrims. My prayer is that each has encountered the God who loves them and that they know they have a Church-Diocese which is their home.

With every peace