Melbourne: Bishop George Kolodziej SDS, the Bishop of Bunbury, has expressed great hope and enthusiasm for the upcoming Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) 2025, which will be held in Melbourne from November 30 to December 2. Recently appointed as the Bishop Delegate for Youth by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, Bishop Kolodziej said he looks forward to seeing the event inspire thousands of young Catholics to deepen their faith and celebrate their identity as followers of Christ.
The festival, set to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to bring together more than 6,000 young people from across Australia, ranging from students in Year 9 to young adults aged 25. It will mark the fifth national gathering of its kind, with the last one held in Perth in 2019.
Bishop Kolodziej said the festival aims to help young people encounter Christ both personally and as part of the wider Church. He hopes it will encourage them to live their faith joyfully and with confidence. “The festival is an opportunity for our young people to see that faith is not just something private but a joyful experience shared in community,” he said.
The three-day event will feature a range of activities, including prayer experiences, workshops, concerts, forums, and a large pilgrimage walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral. Participants will also engage in justice-themed projects and explore an interactive expo that showcases Catholic organisations and ministries.
Registrations for the festival have already reached capacity, showing strong interest among young Catholics nationwide. Those who missed out can still join a waiting list through the official festival website. To prepare spiritually, dioceses and youth groups have been provided with a pilgrim formation guide to help participants make the most of their experience.
The Melbourne Archdiocese has linked the festival to the global “Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope” theme, emphasising renewal and hope for the Church and its young members. Organisers have also highlighted the importance of safeguarding and accompaniment to ensure that all participants experience the event in a safe and supportive environment.
As excitement builds, Bishop Kolodziej said he hopes the festival will strengthen the faith of young people and inspire them to take an active role in the life of the Church. “This is a time for joy, for friendship, and for discovering the living presence of Jesus in our midst,” he said.
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival continues to be one of the Church’s most important events for young people, helping them to grow in faith, share their gifts, and carry the message of hope back to their communities.