The Australian Catholic Youth Festival has reached its registration capacity, with more than 6000 people set to attend the festival in Melbourne later this month.
ACYF will take place from Sunday, November 30, to Tuesday, December 2, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Young Catholics will journey from every corner of the country, accompanied by their leaders, bishops, clergy and religious.
They will be joined by keynote speakers, workshop presenters, musicians, over 200 volunteers and more than 100 exhibitors – all contributing to what promises to be a vibrant and joyful experience of the Church in Australia.
A waitlist has been established for those still hoping to attend.
With less than a month to go, preparations continue in earnest – not only for festival organisers but also for the schools, parishes and ecclesial communities bringing young pilgrims to the festival.
A pilgrim formation guide, inspired by the festival theme: Pilgrims of Hope, has been developed to support groups in their practical and spiritual preparations. In addition, online briefing sessions for group coordinators will be held in the lead-up to the festival.
A dedicated ACYF event app will be released shortly before the festival, featuring the full schedule of plenary sessions, workshops, speakers, exhibitors and key event information.
Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli expressed his joy at the strong response and encouraged pilgrims to enter into their preparations with faith and anticipation.
“After many months of planning, it is with great joy that we have reached registration capacity. We are thrilled to welcome pilgrims from all over Australia to Melbourne for the festival.
“I encourage all pilgrims to begin their preparations now. It is no accident that you are attending this festival. God has something wonderful in store for each of you.
“Spend some time with him in prayer and open your hearts to what he wants to do – in you and for you. And know that you are not alone – the Church walks with you, prays for you and believes in you.”
Details: www.acyf.org.au, registration waitlist.
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More than 6,000 set to gather in Melbourne for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025 (ACYF)
