Three days of unforgettable spiritual journey at Australian Catholic Youth Festival

 
It was a privilege to be a group coordinator, together with our spiritual leader Fr.  Andriy Mykytyuk for the  youth of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania - representing our Ukrainian parishes from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

From 30 November to 2 December 2025, thousands of young Catholics from across Australia gathered in Melbourne for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival - a national event created by the Australian Catholic Bishops to help young people connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and be empowered to live their faith in the world.

At the opening session, His Eminence Cardinal  Mykola Bychok delivered deeply moving address. Sharing memories from his childhood in a persecuted Church under Soviet rule, he reminded us that the world may try to silence our faith, but it can never silence our prayer. His words encouraged each young person to stand firm in prayer even when it is difficult, to let prayer become their strength, their freedom, and their hope. Lifting a rosary made by Ukrainian prisoners of war, he called everyone to pray for peace - especially for Ukraine - and invited the entire festival community to unite in faith, compassion and solidarity.

I’m sure that our young people did not come home the same. They returned to their parishes carrying a renewed fire for prayer and a deeper longing to encounter Christ in the sacraments. They came back with new friendships that remind them they are never alone in their faith, fresh inspiration and ideas to strengthen youth ministry, a deeper appreciation of their Ukrainian Catholic identity within the wider Australian Church, and a sincere desire to serve their parishes.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported and prayed for our pilgrims on this journey. The fruits of these days will continue to grow in our parishes.

What an unforgettable moment at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne! 

Maria Zarifeh