Palmerston North youth thrive at Fully Alive festival

The festival, which took place at St Peter’s College in Palmerston North on August 1, brought together participants aged 13-35 from parishes, schools and youth ministries across the diocese, celebrating the vitality of the Church’s young people. 

The day featured keynote talks from international Catholic speaker Braden Johnson, whose honest and engaging message invited young people to discover that true freedom and fulfilment are found in a life centred on Jesus Christ. Through humour, authenticity and personal witness, he encouraged those present to embrace their faith with courage and to recognise God’s unique purpose for each of their lives.

Alongside the talks, participants joined in interactive activities, workshops, praise and worship, and opportunities to connect with other young Catholics from across the diocese. A spirit of joy and welcome filled the day, reminding everyone that they are not alone in living their faith.

At the heart of the festival was the celebration of the Eucharist and an extended time of eucharistic adoration. Before the Blessed Sacrament, many young people experienced a deep encounter with Christ, taking time for prayer, reflection and renewed relationship with him. For many, this was the most significant moment of the day.

Events like Fully Alive highlight the importance of youth ministry and of creating spaces where young people can encounter Jesus, form authentic friendships and experience the wider Church. The festival also showcased the dedication of parish youth leaders, school staff, priests, volunteers, musicians and organisers whose generosity made the day possible.

As the festival concluded, there was a strong sense of hope and excitement for the future. Young people left encouraged in their faith and ready to share the joy of the Gospel in their schools, parishes and communities.

Recently, Auckland Diocese had a local World Youth Day event attended by more than 2000 people, and Wellington Archdiocese staged its first Catholic Youth Festival.

FULL STORY

Fully Alive: Hundreds of Young Catholics Gather for a Day of Faith and Encounter (By Rain Shore/ Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)

Catholic Speaker – Braden Johnson

Catholic Youth Festival Wellington (Facebook)

Facebook (Catholic Diocese of Auckland)