The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival provided an exciting opportunity for Columban missionaries and co-workers to encounter the next generation of young Catholics from around Australia! The Columban team greeted thousands of pilgrims as they stopped by the Columban booth while exploring over 100 Catholic societies and organisations at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Pilgrims were invited to spin the wheel or complete a Bible Quiz to win prizes, which included showbags filled with merchandise promoting the Columban mission.
Great conversations were had throughout the festival as Columban missionaries conversed with pilgrims, answered their questions, and prayed for them. These encounters sowed the seed of the Columban mission to a new generation eager to learn about how their Catholic faith can inform action and commitment towards answering God’s call in their personal journeys.
The Columban booth provided pilgrims with fun and interactive activities that engaged their sense of curiosity about who the Columban missionaries are and what their mission consists of across 15 different countries. Short but impactful interactions allowed the Columban team to demonstrate a spirit of hospitality, friendship, and encouragement towards the many young pilgrims who stopped by.
Participation in the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival was a great way to finish off a year in which the Columban Partnership Program began working with schools to facilitate sessions on mission, justice, migrants and refugees, and the protection of God’s creation and biodiversity. Should educators be interested in booking an online or in person (Melbourne schools only) session for your school classes in 2026, then contact the Columban Mission Centre for further details.