A National Conference For Liturgy and Liturgical Music
National Liturgical Council
The National Liturgical Conference Pilgrims of Hope: Transformed through Sacrament and Song will take place from 1–3 October 2025 in Adelaide, drawing together clergy, lay leaders, musicians, educators, and pastoral ministers from across Australia and beyond. This landmark gathering is being co-hosted by the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network (APMN) and the National Liturgical Council (NLC), with the support of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Taking inspiration from the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis and its theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the conference invites delegates to explore the transformative power of the liturgy in shaping a synodal, merciful and mission-oriented Church. Through keynote presentations, liturgical celebrations, workshops, and artistic encounters, participants will deepen their understanding of how sacrament and song sustain the Christian journey and animate the Church’s witness in the world.
International keynote speakers from the USA, Rita Ferrone and Fr Ricky Manalo, CSP will join a range of Australian leaders in liturgy, theology and pastoral ministry. Across the three days, attendees will take part in dynamic sessions on liturgical formation, sacramental theology, music ministry, ritual creativity and pastoral leadership. Delegates will also participate in rich liturgical celebrations including Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and a Conference Mass.
This is a rare opportunity for Australia’s liturgical and pastoral community to gather nationally to be renewed, inspired, and formed together in the spirit of synodality. All are welcome to come as pilgrims, to learn, sing, pray, and be transformed through sacrament and song.
Selected keynotes and workshop papers will be collated into a commemorative printed edition and made available through Liturgy Publications in the months following the Conference.
