Young people, families and representatives from Melbourne parishes, faith movements and migrant communities gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne to mark three significant milestones. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The November 24 Mass and gathering were held to give thanks for the Year of Prayer that is almost over; look forward to the local launch of the 2025 Jubilee Year on December 29; and mark one year until the Australian Catholic Youth Festival brings thousands of young people to Melbourne from across Australia.
Representatives from parish communities were blessed by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli and given a Jubilee candle to take to their parish and to burn throughout 2025.
Following Mass, the grounds of the cathedral were buzzing as people gathered for food, music and celebrations.
There was also an opportunity to hear from three young people – Vincente, Gerry and Erica – who attended ACYF in Perth in 2019.
They spoke of their experience in 2019, describing how their time at ACYF changed their lives, and shared some advice for future ACYF participants.
The highlight for all three was the rich experience of prayer through Adoration, praise and worship, and the variety of cultural expressions during Mass.
Gerry reminded parishes that they didn’t need to wait until ACYF to get young people involved in parish life.
“The time starts now. Meet in small groups. Develop that trust. Think about where young people can systematically be involved and have their voice heard,” she said.
Gerry said that events like ACYF can sometimes be treated as a “one-off” solution to youth ministry.
“But I think it’s really about preparation, about [providing] our young leaders and our young people … with really beautiful scaffolds for the parish that is welcoming before you get to ACYF, and when you come back, to have older people that can support them.”
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“Be hope and light”: Archdiocese celebrates the coming Jubilee Year and countdown to ACYF 2025 (Melbourne Catholic)
