Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) pilgrims attended a workshop hosted by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton on Sunday 8 December 2019, where he spoke about the sanctity of life, describing it as a “reflection of God’s love”.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB is now seeking nominations from lay people, members of religious orders and clergy from the Archdiocese of Perth who are willing to be called as delegates for the Plenary Council Sessions in October 2020 and May 2021.

American speaker and writer Katie Prejean McGrady expressed that the best part traveling 150,000 miles a year worldwide to preach the Gospel of Christ, are the authentic human encounters she gains, and being able to get young people excited to love Jesus.

Arguably one of the most down-to-earth Australian Bishops, Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, from the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese in Western NSW, was tasked with equipping the young pilgrims of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2019 (ACYF), with strategies that would enable them to take something from ACYF and keep it going once they get home.

Melbourne singing duo The Saga are working to bridge Australian secular culture and the Church through their music.

One of the uniquely Australian perspectives on offer at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2019 (ACYF), was an insight into indigenous culture and the work of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), as related by Sabrina-Anne Stevens, the organisation’s current Youth Counselor.

The Experiential Prayer Room at the recent Australian Catholic Youth Festival held at Perth Convention and Exhibition centre (Level 3), provided an avenue for quiet time and reflection for the 5500 pilgrims, amidst the hype of events which took place from 8 to 10 December.

Melbourne singer, songwriter and music ministry enthusiast Genevieve Bryant encouraged Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) pilgrims to use their unique talents for others.

Hosted by Catholic Youth Ministry Perth, the event held on the final day of the festival, from 12:30 to 1:30pm, was the perfect opportunity for the Perth youth and young adults to recap on their experiences, network with one another, pray and praise together and keep informed with local events happening in the near future.

Chants of “Come Holy Spirit” echoed throughout the ACYF19 plenary exhibition as dynamic rap artist Joe Melendrez led some 5500 festivalgoers to experience God in music.