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               World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea - August 3 - 8, 2027

What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young adults (primarily between the ages of 18-39) from all over the world with the Pope. It is a pilgrimage, a celebration, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for young adults worldwide. Although its Catholic identity is clearly evident, WYD opens its doors to everyone, no matter how close to or distant from the Church they are. 

Since its first edition in Rome in 1986, World Youth Day has proven to be a laboratory of faith, a place of birth for vocations to marriage and consecrated life, and an instrument for the evangelization and transformation of the Church.  It aims to provide all participants with a universal Church experience, fostering a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It is a new stimulus to the faith, hope and charity of the entire host country community. With young people as its protagonists, World Youth Day also seeks to promote peace, unity and fraternity among peoples and nations around the world. 

World Youth Day - Seoul in 2027

The Theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Pope Francis chose John 16:33 — “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” — as the theme for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. In these words, spoken by Jesus to His disciples at the Last Supper, we are reminded of the unshakable 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.

Rejoicing in hope (38th WYD theme) and never growing weary (39th WYD theme), become a witness to the Christ you have encountered (40th WYD theme) and gather your courage (41st WYD theme) as you embark on the pilgrimage to Seoul!

Young people around the world today face many challenges, including conflict, economic hardship, and uncertainty about the future. Yet at World Youth Day Seoul 2027, they will encounter the joy of being the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Through prayer, community, and encounters with young people from across the globe, they will experience the unconditional love of Christ and the universal Church. Strengthened by that encounter, they will be sent forth as “pilgrims of hope” and courageous missionary disciples, boldly living and sharing the joy of the Gospel they have discovered.

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Registration is NOW OPEN for World Youth Day! 

             Watch the Informational Webinar                                 Register Here

                                               Download the Flyer to post

                   Questions? Email us or call 808-203-6763

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About the World Youth Day - Seoul logo

The Official Prayer for World Youth Day Seoul 2027

Loving Lord of all young people, we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.

Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.

Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever.
May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage,
realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.

Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
by your wonderous hand
you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea.
Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts,
making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth.

Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day
we may listen to each other, discern your will,
and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen.

Our Lady of mercy and peace, pray for us.
Holy patrons of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, pray for all young people.

The Patron Saints of World Youth Day Seoul 2027 

Saint John Paul II     Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and companions     Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

                               Saint Josephine Bakhita     Saint Carlo Acutis 

News about World Youth Day

Pope Leo XIV announces dates for 2027 World Youth Day in South Korea (dated August 3, 2025)

See you in Seoul in 2027 (dated August 5, 2023)

Pope Francis' message to young people of World Youth Day 2023 (dated January 19, 2023)

Read coverage about World Youth Day - Lisbon 2023 from the Hawaii Catholic Herald:

Bishop Silva among those in Lisbon for World Youth Day (dated August 2, 2023)

World Youth Day, the Vigil: the crowds, the sun, the walking, the pope (dated August 30, 2023)

View pictures from the Stateside Pilgrimage 2023:

  

View Bishop's message to Hawai'i Stateside Pilgrims from Lisbon. 

View recording of the livestream of Hawai'i Stateside Pilgrimage. 

 

 Read coverage of our Stateside Pilgrimage 2019 from the Hawaii Catholic Herald:

 Oahu events planned to coincide with World Youth Day events in Panama City

 World Youth Day Hawaii attendees energized at vigil

 

 

Are you an alumni of World Youth Day?

Register to be part of National World Youth Day USA Alumni Network.

World Youth Day is not the destination, but one point along the pilgrimage of life. As a WYD alumni, you are still on that journey. Connect with other US citizens who have participated in a World Youth Day event, either stateside or internationally, at least once in the past thirty years since these gatherings began in 1984. Over one-half million people in the USA have been to a World Youth Day event - are you one of them? If so, connect with the national alumni network today.