Festival’s bonds of friendship

By Gerard O’Brien, Year 10, St Mary’s Catholic College

OVER the December holidays, a group of students from Cairns were able to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Sydney.

Thanks to the sponsorship of St Mary’s and Reach Youth Group, Amy Zahner and I were able to be part of this amazing trip.

The festival lasted three days and each day started and finished with a big gathering called a “plenary” in the main hall.

There were about 18,000 young people who attended the plenaries and the atmosphere was electric.

The plenaries consisted of songs from famous Christian artists and bands, speeches, skits and entertainment.

During the day you could attend many activities such as workshops, talks and concerts.

There were talks on friendships, the environment and other important topics.

These were discussed within a faith and spiritual context.

But the best part of the whole experience was meeting so many great people who were all there for the same reason and it was an opportunity to create friendships with people of the same faith.

On the third and final day everyone participated in a walk to the Domain where the final mass occurred.

We crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a lot of ACYF pilgrims and it was a fantastic experience.

Although the ACYF is a Catholic Festival, you don’t need to be a devoted Catholic to attend or enjoy it.

Many of the topics were relevant to any young people and it was an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself.

We felt really blessed to have been to ACYF and encourage students to look at making the trip to Perth for the 2019 ACYF.

UNFORGETTABLE: Cairns students stroll across the Harbour Bridge during their visit in Sydney for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.

CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Gracie the spoodle puppy and Pop (Lionel Covington) feel right at home surrounded by Holy Cross students (from left) Samuel Humphries, Annie Francis, Bree Allitt, Harry Tottle and Kiera Morgan.