Set Free and Heaven Come 2025 were held at St Peter’s, Cambridge, during the Easter Octave, marking milestone anniversaries for both youth festivals.
Set Free celebrated 15 years of empowering young people in the Catholic faith across Hamilton and Aotearoa, while Heaven Come marked its 5th year of journeying alongside young adults in their walk with Christ. Both gatherings carried the theme of returning to the Father’s embrace, offering a space of joy, community, and renewal.
At Set Free, teens encountered the joy of the Risen Lord through keynote talks by Jessica Bond of Salt & Gold, who shared stories of hope and faith, pointing to the Cross as the summit of Christian life. Heaven Come followed over the weekend, creating a space for young adults to reflect more deeply on the challenges of life and faith, while holding firmly to the hope of God’s presence. Each festival was enriched by daily Mass, Night Prayer, music, small group sessions, and the presence of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ first-class relic and Eucharistic Miracles exhibition.
The highlight of both festivals was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In this time of prayer, many experienced the closeness of Christ in the Eucharist, carrying forward a renewed joy and hope into their lives and communities. Together, these events embodied the Easter proclamation: that in Christ we are set free, Heaven has drawn near, and the young Church is alive with faith and joy.
