WelCom, September 2024
The Church in South Korea has officially set the stage for World Youth Day 2027 with a launch event at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.
Under the theme ‘Hope Ignites in Seoul. Success for WYD Seoul 2027’, the ceremony, held on Sunday 28 July, marked the beginning of preparations for the highly anticipated international gathering.
The event drew a diverse crowd of more than 1000 young attendees, including North Korean defectors, youth with disabilities and military personnel.
The launch event ‘kicked off’ with a colourful flag parade, where young Koreans and international participants carried 193 flags into the cathedral.
This parade symbolised the universal call and enthusiasm for WYD, highlighting Seoul’s role as a global hub for young Catholics.
A highlight of the ceremony was the ‘Kick-off Declaration’ led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, chair of the local organising committee for WYD Seoul 2027, alongside two young Korean delegates.
This declaration marked the official commencement of preparations for WYD 2027, emphasising the Church’s dedication to youth engagement.
The ceremony concluded with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Chung. In his homily, Archbishop Chung spoke of the Church’s mission to provide a platform for young people, urging them to unite in hope and prayer as they prepare for this significant event.
‘I believe that WYD represents an invaluable opportunity for youth from across the globe, including our Korean youth, to reflect upon and engage with these challenging tasks. It is imperative that we unite our hearts, pray together, and discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we earnestly prepare for this journey,’ he added.
The event’s motto will be announced in this September, followed by the ceremonial handover of WYD symbols to Seoul in November.