Prepare for 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul
Mark your calendars for World Youth Day celebrated in Seoul in 2027. Check the official website for updated information.
History of WYD
Since 1986, World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of young Catholics from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world.
2027 Theme
Pope Francis chose as the theme for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 "Take courage! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper, reminds us of the irrevocable truth that despite the challenges of the world, Christ has already conquered fear, sin, and death. It is a call to hope and courage rooted in faith in the resurrection—not a passive optimism, but a bold confidence grounded in the living presence of Christ.
2027 Prayer
Prayer for the Youth
Loving Father of all young people, help those whom you created in your image come to know the love that led you to give your only Son.
Give them the grace of meeting Jesus Christ so that they may love all they meet in their lives.
Gather the young people you so love into your Church, led by the Holy Spirit, so they can experience your mercy.
Help us be with them in their struggles and pain, welcome them into the Church, and accompany them in the work of spreading the gospel.
Just as you saved the world through the cross and resurrection of your Son, use WYD Seoul 2027 to rekindle the flames of their faith, renew your Church and the world, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Holy Mary, patron of the Catholic Church in Korea, pray for our young people.
All the martyrs and saints of Korea, pray for us.
Approved by
Peter Archbishop Chung
January 23, 2024
Outline of WYD Activities
Gathering and Registration (until Tuesday)
Pilgrims gather in the host city for World Youth Day.Opening Mass (Tuesday)
World Youth Day officially begins with the Opening Mass, celebrated by the Ordinary of the host diocese, marking the start of the international gathering.Catechesis Triduum (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Pilgrims participate in catechetical sessions led by bishops, deepening their understanding of the faith.Youth Festival (Tuesday to Friday)
Various events for young people are held around the host diocese.Reconciliation Center and Vocations Fair (Tuesday to Friday)
Pilgrims are invited to reconcile with the Lord through Confession and hear His call by learning about diverse vocations.Papal Welcome Ceremony (Thursday)
Young people gather with excitement to welcome the Holy Father on Thursday afternoon.Way of the Cross (Friday)
The Pope and the pilgrims come together to meditate on the Way of the Cross prepared for them by young people.Vigil (Saturday)
On Saturday, all the pilgrims move to the venue for the Closing Mass.With the Holy Father, they pray and adore the Eucharist before settling in to spend the night there.
Closing Mass (Sunday)
As Sunday morning breaks, the pilgrims unite in the celebration of Mass with the Pope.At the conclusion of the liturgy, he announces the location of the next World Youth Day.
Meeting with the Volunteers (Sunday)
Finally, after the Closing Mass, the Holy Father meets with the World Youth Day volunteers to express his gratitude and offer them words of encouragement.Prepare for your WYD journey with Take Five for Faith: Daily meditations for busy Catholics
Sign up for the free Take Five daily email here.
Other resources for the young church
YOUTH MINISTERS: Learn more about the resources NRVC has available to help you in your youth engagement. Click here.
PILGRIMS: Consider where God may be calling you.
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