More than 600 young Syro-Malabar Catholics from Australia, Oceania and beyond gathered for the Unite 2025 conference in Melbourne last weekend. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Hosted by the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne, the event provided a unique opportunity for young Syro-Malabar Catholics to deepen their faith, embrace their cultural heritage and build lasting connections.
Under the Jubilee-inspired theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, Unite 2025 encouraged, empowered, and equipped young Catholics to live out their faith with conviction and to share the Gospel message in their daily lives.
The conference featured keynote speakers, workshops and spiritual experiences designed to foster both personal and communal growth.
The conference opened with an address from Syro-Malabar Bishop John Panamthottathil CMI, who focused on the word “unite”, encouraging attendees to come together and “unite with Jesus Christ” through the Eucharist, and to embrace the opportunity to celebrate and explore his infinite love over course of the conference.
Speakers at the four-day event included Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, US-based Australian Catholic podcaster Matt Fradd, i4give founder Leila Abdallah, Parousia Media founder Charbel Raish and Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR.
A range of workshops delved into key topics relevant to young Catholics, including healing through forgiveness, answering Christ’s call, and sharing the Gospel with confidence.
Indian actor and filmmaker Sijoy Varghese, founder of Lifenet, Brendan Malone and Fr Melvin Mangalath, director of the Youth Apostolate in the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago, led sessions that provided participants with practical tools to integrate faith into their daily lives.
Beyond the workshops and talks, Unite 2025 offered a rich spiritual program, including daily Holy Qurbana (Syro-Malabar Mass), Eucharistic adoration and the Liturgy of Hours.
Interactive activities further enriched the experience, with live Christian bands, team-building events, talent showcases and conversation corners fostering fellowship and joy. Confession booths provided a space for young people to seek reconciliation and spiritual renewal.
FULL STORY
‘Let your lives glow’: Syro-Malabar youth conference Unite 2025 inspires a new generation (Melbourne Catholic)
