The festival exceeded the expectations of the staff and students that attended, including Hennessey Catholic College student, Bridget Summerfield.

“The experience was overwhelming and I didn’t know what to expect, but I was amazed at how many people attended and was surprised to see so many young people expressing their faith,” she said.

Bridget joined approximately 20,000 young people from around Australia who attended the event to celebrate Catholic faith and officially launch the ‘Year of Youth’.

Trinity Catholic College Goulburn student Sarah Dunne said that the presentations, performances and workshops were inspirational.

“Being able to talk to people that share the same faith, making friends in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese and talking to people at stalls are all treasured encounters that I will remember for the rest of my life,” she said.

Sarah’s teacher Katie Byrne said that being able to openly express and explore her faith in the presence of thousands of young people and church leaders of Australia was invigorating for the heart, mind and spirit.

“The energy at the plenaries was incredible, while the workshops and bishop discussion panels were thought-provoking,” she said.

“ACYF gave our young people an opportunity to discuss contemporary social issues from the Catholic perspective.”