The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has appointed Bishop of Bunbury George Kolodziej SDS as bishop delegate for youth. Source: ACBC.
The appointment comes as preparations step up for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne from November 30 to December 2.
Thousands of young Catholics are expected to attend the festival at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“My hope is that more young people can be empowered to live as disciples of Christ,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
He said events such as the Australian Catholic Youth Festival serve a number of purposes.
“Festivals offer young people an opportunity to encounter Christ in a personal and communal way,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
“They also remind young people that they are part of something much bigger than their local parish or school.
“They can witness the diversity and vitality of the Church, which can be inspiring and affirming.
“Many young people discern their vocation through the witness and encouragement they receive at festivals. Hearing stories of faith and service can stir their hearts to respond.
“And never under-estimate the power of music, laughter and celebration to show faith is not a burden, but joyful and life-giving.”
Pope Francis once described young people as “not the tomorrow or the ‘meantime’, but the now of God”.
“I hope and pray the festival reveals Jesus as the ‘now of God’ to thousands of our young people.”
George Kolodziej SDS was ordained and installed as the Fifth Bishop of Bunbury in March.
Ordained to the priesthood in his birth country of Poland in 1994, he has served in parishes and schools in WA and NSW and been active in youth ministry including World Youth Day pilgrimages.
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival will involve about 6000 young people ranging from Year 9 students up to the age of 25.
It will include a pilgrimage walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral, talks, prayer experiences, Mass, workshops, forums, live concerts, engagement with bishops, games, a justice activity centre and an interactive expo.
It is the fifth time the festival has been run, having been born out of the experience of World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. The last festival was held in Perth in 2019.
The website can be found at https://acyf.org.au/
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Bishop delegate for youth expresses hope for festival (ACBC)
