After World Youth Day 2008 (held in Sydney), Australia is now celebrating its first Catholic Youth Festival. From 5-7 December, the Archdiocese of Melbourne opened its doors to more than 3000 young people from all parts of the country.
The theme of the event centered on the biblical icon of the young Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Lk. 4:18). The Festival was a favorable occasion for giving Australian youth the chance to talk about the problems and challenges they are facing today. This important exchange took place through discussion forums on various subjects and on the theme of the Festival.
The Daughters of St. Paul were part of the team that organized the encounter and also made a significant contribution in the areas of registration, assistance, information and communications. Bishop Paul Gallagher, the Apostolic Nuncio of Australia, brought everyone the warm greetings of Pope Francis, who urged the participants to steadfastly trust the Holy Spirit.
