Australian Catholic Youth Festival

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival was held in the Archdiocese of Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December, 2025.

We were very appreciative of the generous sponsorship from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation and the Catholic Development Fund which helped to offset the costs of those who attended from the Ballarat Diocese.

See some of the highlights from the festival are available here

including:

Video Message of Pope Leo XIV to Participants in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, 30 November 2025
Opening Address – Bishop George Kolodziej SDS
Commissioning Mass homily – Archbishop Peter Comensoli

As the largest Catholic gathering in Australia, the ACYF promotes and engages the life and voice of young Catholics, equipping them to live out their faith in the world. Australia’s premier gathering for young Catholics, the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, will conclude the Church’s celebration of the international Jubilee Year in December 2025.

ACYF is a national gathering of Catholic young people, established by the Australian Bishops more than a decade ago. The three-day event offers young people from across Australia the opportunity to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and be empowered to live their faith in the world. It also provides a unique chance to experience the diversity of the Church in Australia.

The Festivals welcome thousands of young Catholics, along with their leaders, bishops, clergy, religious and representatives from ecclesial groups and organisations from across Australia. Together, they gather in a vibrant, joyful celebration of faith and community.

ACYF Prayer for Pilgrims

A message from Bishop Paul