More than 6000 people from across Australia will attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne later this month, and 100 of them will be from Sandhurst.
Claire Spinelli, Sandhurst Youth Ministry Team Leader shares the excitement of the ACYF organisers that the Festival has been so well received. “It’s great that youth across the country have mustered with their leaders to embark on this incredible journey,” said Claire.

Although the support for the Festival is evident in strong numbers, Claire believes it is important that pilgrims don’t feel lost, or insignificant amongst the crowds:

“It’s important for pilgrims to have opportunities to build authentic personal connections first, through formation and interaction within their small groups. We are confident our pilgrims won’t feel lost amongst the massive numbers because the preparation and formation they have undertaken has put them on a path where they know they are seen, and they are heard.”

“At the Festival our pilgrims will be able to engage in their small groups, connect through our diocesan identity and then see themselves as part of the national youth movement,” explained Claire.

Last week, Melbourne’s Archbishop, Peter A. Comensoli expressed his joy at the strong attendance numbers and encouraged pilgrims to enter into their preparations with faith and anticipation. “We are thrilled to welcome pilgrims from all over Australia to Melbourne for the Festival,” he said. “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.”

Amen!

As Claire reminds us: “Attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne is not like buying a ticket and going to a concert. Every Sandhurst pilgrim is known, is seen and is sent.”

Hope is Alive!

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 30 November to 2 December 2025.
Youth Masses

In November, there will be Youth Masses in each Deanery of the Diocese of Sandhurst to bless ACYF Pilgrims, “sending them in, so they can be sent out,” clarified Claire.

The Western Deanery Mass will be held at St Kilian’s on 22 November 2025.

At 3.00 pm, Pilgrims will visit the Carlo Acutis Exhibition at Sacred Heart Cathedral, then walk a pilgrimage from the Cathedral to St Kilian’s Church where a commissioning Youth Mass will be celebrated. A barbecue in the Community Garden will follow.