Melbourne: The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) officially concluded today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, closing two days of prayer, music, testimony and celebration that brought together more than 10,000 young Catholics from across the country. Returning to Melbourne for the first time in over a decade, the festival ended on a high note - spiritually charged, emotionally uplifting, and widely hailed as a remarkable success.
A Papal Message That Defined the Festival
One of the most talked-about moments of this year’s ACYF was the surprise video address from Pope Leo XIV, unveiled during the opening plenary. His heartfelt message urging young Australians to embrace their God-given identity and reject the myth of randomness became the festival’s spiritual anchor. “You are created with intention. You are loved. You are needed,” he told the young faithful, reminding them that technology may connect the world, but only God fills the heart. His call to “go home and rebuild the Kingdom of God where you live” echoed throughout the weekend’s sessions and remained a defining theme as the festival concluded.
Warm Welcome Set the Tone
Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli opened the festival with an invitation that shaped the experience for thousands: “You belong here.” His words, delivered under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, established a sense of unity and homecoming that carried through the entire event.
Cardinal Bychok’s Testimony Left a Lasting Impact
One of the most powerful moments came from Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR, who shared his experiences growing up under Soviet oppression. His reflection on silent, steadfast prayer and his reminder that “no regime can outlaw prayer, and no bully can crush it” - moved the audience to deep silence before he led a decade of the Rosary for global peace. His rosary, handmade by Ukrainian prisoners of war, became a symbol of resilience that many pilgrims said they would never forget.
Melbourne Pilgrimage Brought the City to Life
The festival began with a 5km pilgrimage from St Patrick’s Cathedral to the Convention Centre, with the World Youth Day Cross and Icon leading the way in their first Australian appearance in 20 years. The colourful river of pilgrims transformed Melbourne’s streets into a living expression of faith and hope.
A Standout Performance - SMYM Youth Bring the House Down
Among the weekend’s highlights, the Syro-Malabar SMYM group delivered a performance that many described as one of the most electrifying moments in ACYF history. More than 200 youth filled the hall with thunderous music, precision choreography and a contagious energy that left the crowd in roaring applause and genuine goosebumps. Their display of culture, passion and faith became one of the festival’s most celebrated memories.
A Successful Festival That Ends with Renewed Mission
As ACYF 2025 concluded this afternoon, organisers, clergy and pilgrims alike praised the event for its energy, spiritual depth and sense of unity. With more than 100 workshops, daily Mass, reconciliation, concerts and cultural events completed over two days, the festival ended with young people expressing renewed purpose and hope.
The final message repeated throughout the venue was clear - the festival may have ended, but the mission now begins.