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It's theme was “Hope Ignites in Seoul. Success for WYD Seoul 2027,” on July 28th, to begin the preparations for the World Youth Day.
There were over 1,000 young participants, including North Korean defectors, youth with disabilities, and military personnel.
There was colorful flag parade, where young Koreans and international participants processed with 193 flags into the cathedral.The starting declaration, was led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027, with two young Korean delegates.
The event also highlighted the expected economic surplus of WYD Seoul 2027. The research team led by Professor Taejun Lee from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management presented an analysis forecasting KRW 11.3698 trillion in production impacts, KRW 1.5908 trillion in value-added effects, and the creation of 24,725 jobs, demonstrating the potential benefits for Seoul and the extended region.
The ceremony concluded with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Chung, joined by Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, and Bishop Titus Sang-Bum Seo.
In his homily, Archbishop Chung spoke of the Church’s mission to provide a place for young people, encouraging them to unite in hope and prayer as they prepare for this key event.
“I harbor a profound aspiration that the Church will offer a platform for the youth of our time—a stage where they can emerge as the protagonists of their own narratives. I am confident that this stage will serve as an opportunity and a space of hope for all of you,” the archbishop said.
“Together, I wish to cultivate this shared hope through WYD. 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 Mass included a Universal Prayer in several languages, reflecting the global spirit of WYD. Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari and Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza delivered messages of encouragement, with Dr. Souza highlighting Seoul’s selection as the host city, recognizing its rich cultural heritage and spirit of innovation.
The WYD motto will be announced by Pope Francis in September, followed by the ceremonial handover of WYD symbols to Seoul in November.Key figures present included Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea; Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, Secretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life; diplomatic representatives from eight countries; and, high-ranking Korean officials.
Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek of the Parish said in his sermon, “ I want the church to provide a ‘ stage for the youth , a place for the youth ,’ where the youth of this era can become the main characters ,” and added, “ I would like to dream a dream of hope with you through Seoul WYD . ”
Archbishop Jeong said, “ I believe that the Seoul WYD preparation process will be a good opportunity for our young people to think about and devote themselves to this challenging task ( the direction of our society ) ,” and sent a message of invitation to the youth and young adults . “ We want to experience the miracle of one person changing and our community changing through the upcoming preparation process and Seoul WYD . I ask all young people to actively participate as the subjects of this miracle. ”
Source: Ham A-reum, Public Relations Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul - https://aos.catholic.or.kr/pro81/view?id=196780
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