DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO WYD SEOUL 2027 KICKS OFF

Bishop George Kolodziej, SDS, DD, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s (ACBC) bishop delegate for youth has officially launched the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD), which will be hosted by Seoul South Korea in 2027.

Youth leaders from the different parishes flocked at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Bunbury. During the Eucharistic celebration Bishop George presented and signed the Mandate and Decree of Commissioning. Aaron Faure, the head of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office (DYMO) received the decree on behalf of young people of the Diocese. The DYMO has the responsibility of coordinating the preparation, formation and organization of the pilgrimage, in collaboration with parishes, schools and ecclesial movements.

According to the mandate and decree, every priest, chaplains, educators and youth leaders should encourage, support and accompany young people in discerning and undertaking the pilgrimage.

Furthermore, young pilgrims are mandated to (1) regular participation in Eucharist and sacramental life of the Church; (2) formation in Sacred Scriptures and teachings of the Church; (3) communal prayer and opportunities for spiritual growth; (4) engagement in parish and diocesan life as active witness of the Gospel; (5) a spirit of pilgrimage marked by simplicity, sacrifice and openness to God’s will.

Bishop George in his homily specifically addressed the young people: “Dear young people, come with me on pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027. Come and experience the beauty of universal Church, young people from every nation, united in one faith.”

Emily Ferraro and Claire Anne Ma, youth leaders from Pinjarra and Albany, respectively, excitedly invite their fellow young people to “courageously step out from comfort zone” and join WYD Seoul 2027.