Australian Catholic Youth Festival.

[Spem in alium]

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the first ACYF last week and thought I would share some of my experiences with you all. 
I feel incredibly transformed by the Festival and am so glad I could go! As one Bishop present said on the closing night of the Festival - this event proves that the Church is not "dead" or "dying", but is full of life.

 

My sister and I (along with our priest) represented our parish, but were part of a wider group of 180 young people from our diocese (very cool!). The Festival had over 3000 young people present from December 5-7 at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.

 

Some of the highlights:

 

 

Spending time in this beautiful Cathedral (St Patrick's).

 

 

Being part of such a joyful crowd! All 3000 of us would gather each day for a plenary, which included music, talks, dances, prayer, and Mass on the final night.

 

Spending time before relics of Bl. Mother Teresa and Bl. Pope John Paul II. And going to Confession beforehand! With the shortage of priest availability in my home area, it was such a joy to be able to participate in the Sacrament.

 

Watching a couple of Bishops and some Nashville Dominicans take some time out with the youth! There were so many religious present, which was just amazing.

 

 

Being part of this incredible crowd at the closing plenary gathering and Mass.

 

Meeting with *my* Sisters after the closing Mass.

 

---

 

God is good, all the time! 

[Spem in alium]

Extra photos:

 

 

During Mass.

 

 

We will light our way with our lanterns on!

 

 

Party in the lighthouse (the symbol of my diocese)!