My ACYF Reflection from Raphael Victoria (SFCA Vic)

I had the privilege to attend the recent Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) which was conducted for three days. Day one began with a quiet mix of nerves and excitement. There was something deeply stirring about knowing I was about to encounter Christ alongside more than 6,000 other young people—each of us either grounded in our faith or yearning to grow deeper in it. That sense of shared longing made the experience feel sacred before it had even begun.

The festival opened at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Fitzroy, where our pilgrimage officially began. From there, we journeyed together on foot to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Wharf—a walk that took roughly two and a half hours. While long, the pilgrimage was filled with moments of joy and connection. We ran into friends from Queensland who were also attending, and the unpredictable Melbourne weather added its own charm: sunshine one moment, a sudden downpour the next. That unpredictability would become a recurring theme throughout the festival.

After arriving, we were given time to eat and recharge before the first plenary. This period felt like a moment of unity—thousands of young people gathered in one space, sharing meals, conversations, and anticipation. The opening plenary included praise and worship, testimonies, and icebreakers that helped us connect with one another and with the hosts of the event. By the end of the night, there was a shared excitement for what was to come. We were tired, but eager—ready for days two and three.

Day two unfolded more smoothly, helped by better weather and the fact that most sessions were indoors. Despite sleeping in and rushing to catch the train, the day quickly found its rhythm. The morning plenary featured a series of testimonies, each unique and inspiring. Sister Mary Grace’s story stood out most. Her journey from aspiring Olympic gold medallist to becoming one of the most well-known sisters in the world was both powerful and humbling. Every word she spoke felt intentional, as though each sentence carried something I needed to hear. One line stayed with me deeply: “Will you let Christ walk life with you?” It reminded me that Christ only works within the space we allow Him, and that surrender begins with openness.

The talks that followed were equally impactful. How to Hug a Porcupine by Sister Therese explored how to love difficult people with patience and grace. Charbel’s Bible Timeline in One Hour was delivered entirely without notes and revealed the deep interconnectedness of Scripture, affirming that nothing in God’s Word is accidental. The final talk, Evangelisation in the Era of AI, challenged us to shine our light—especially if we haven’t before. This echoed a comment my dad once made about my unused potential, making the message feel personal and timely.

The evening plenary, though blurred by exhaustion, included performances that spoke powerfully through action rather than words. One skit portrayed a woman forgiving her former partner and leading him back to God—a moving depiction of grace, mercy, and redemption.

Day three began with breakfast before another rich morning plenary filled with testimonies, adoration, and a powerful skit. The performance followed a young woman seeking fulfilment in different aspects of life, only to be consumed by them while God faded into the background. It ended with Jesus shouldering her pain and fighting her battles—a raw and emotional portrayal of falling away from God and ultimately returning to Him.

Later, I attended Sister Mary Grace’s talk on How to Hear God’s Voice. The room was filled to capacity, and her message was both simple and profound. My main takeaway was the phrase “says who?”— a response to the lies we often believe about ourselves. When thoughts like “I am unlovable” arise, the truth God speaks—“I am loved”—must take precedence.

The next session was a live podcast, Outside the Chapel, featuring Fr Rob Galea, Claire Forbes, and Jessica Bond. Their conversation was deeply inspiring. Fr Rob also led adoration, and his passion reignited a familiar fire within me. Jessica’s quote, “A Bible that is worn out belongs to someone who is not,” beautifully captured what true devotion looks like. The discussion also addressed common biblical misconceptions, reminding us how culture can sometimes shape Scripture more than truth itself.

The festival concluded with a final Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, alongside many priests and bishops. It was the most extraordinary Mass I have ever attended—grand, reverent, and overflowing with beauty. The choir, orchestra, and band made it feel like a glimpse of heaven.

As ACYF came to an end, there was an after-party for those experiencing post-ACYF blues, but more importantly, there was clarity. This wasn’t the end—it was the beginning. Though I was exhausted each day, it was entirely worth it. ACYF became the spark that reignited my faith—a call to begin again and live fully the life God has entrusted to me. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.