Melbourne to host 2024 Youth Festival

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival is coming back – and the countdown is on to the next event in two years’ time.

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the premier gathering of young Catholics in Australia will return in December 2024, and the Archdiocese of Melbourne has been named host.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference expressed support for the proposal of the 2024 Festival and also gratitude for the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s offer.

“We know what a great source of Christian energy the Australian Catholic Youth Festival has been over the past decade, and we have very much been looking forward to its return,” said Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli said he welcomed his brother bishops’ trust in the Archdiocese of Melbourne hosting the Festival in 2024.

“The Archdiocese of Melbourne was host for the inaugural Festival 11 years ago. We are excited to have ACYF back, and to start planning how we will welcome young Catholics from around the nation,” Archbishop Comensoli said.

Director of Youth Evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Hobart, Sam Clear, said he hoped to take a group of Tasmanian youth to ACYF in 2024.

“We’ll be working towards it over the next year and a half,” Mr Clear said.

“An event like the ACYF provides an enormous encouragement to youth, and offers the opportunity to go deeper both in their head knowledge and their relationship with Christ. 

“The ACYF helps to bring to life and shine purpose on the everyday parish community and participation in the sacraments.”

Mr Clear said ACYF was similar to World Youth Day but more accessible for youth.

“It is incredible how empowered and inspired young participants are post festivals to walk closer to Christ.”

More details about the 2024 Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be released early next year.