Sr. M. Rita and Sr. M. Olivia represented the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December. With the generous support of Schoenstatt members in Melbourne, including Florida Nugara and the Matthews family, the sisters were also able to participate in several pre-festival events.

On Friday 30 November, the sisters were invited to the national Jesus Youth gathering, “The Upper Room,” held at Holy Family Parish in Doveton. Around 140 young people from across Australia participated in a day filled with praise and worship, talks, adoration, and Holy Mass. Sr. M. Rita spoke on Mary as the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, while Sr. M. Olivia led the concluding reflection. The day provided many opportunities for meaningful conversations with young people seeking deeper faith.

The following day, the sisters attended the Syro-Malabar Youth pre-program at the newly blessed St Thomas Church in Melbourne’s southeast. The program began with adoration followed by Qurbana, the Holy Mass in the Syro-Malabar rite, which was both prayerful and beautiful. Sr. M. Olivia shared her vocation testimony and offered guidance on discernment. The day concluded with the “Syro-Symphonies” concert at St John’s College, showcasing talents from various states, with a performance by Prodigyl from the USA as the highlight.

On Sunday morning, the sisters visited the MTA shrine at St Luke’s Wantirna and attended Holy Mass. They were warmly welcomed by the parish priest and parishioners and given the opportunity to introduce Schoenstatt. Later, they joined the commissioning Mass for ACYF pilgrims at St Kevin’s Parish in Hampton Park. Together with young people from Holy Family Parish, they travelled as one group to and from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, fostering a strong sense of community over the following days.

The festival began with a pilgrimage walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral to the Convention Centre, led by the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. Despite dramatic weather changes, the joyful and prayerful atmosphere remained strong. The following days featured large plenary sessions, inspiring speakers, praise and worship, testimonies, workshops, prayer experiences, concerts, and opportunities for Mass and adoration.

Throughout ACYF, the sisters had many encounters with young people, often asked how they discerned their vocation. These conversations were a strong sign of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of the youth.

Highlights included the pilgrimage walk, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass with Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, and the final sending-out Mass. The next ACYF will be held in Sydney in 2028, alongside the International Eucharistic Congress.