The Archdiocese of Sydney officially launched its pilgrimage to World Youth Day Seoul on 20 September, bringing young Catholics together in the heart of the city to begin their journey towards the global gathering.
The launch at Jacksons on George was preceded with Mass at St Patrick’s, Church Hill, celebrated by Fr Lewi Barakat.
The event marked the beginning of a journey intended to unite young people from parishes, schools, university chaplaincies and Catholic communities across the archdiocese.
Pilgrims will be offered four pathways: travelling directly to the World Youth Day event, visiting Japan before the congress, or taking part in a mission or immersion experience in Korea or Cambodia before joining the week-long celebration in Seoul.
World Youth Day will run from 3–8 August 2027 under the theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Bishop Richard Umbers has encouraged young Catholics to seize the opportunity presented by a World Youth Day relatively close to Australia.
“I would really love, with the next World Youth Day being hosted so close to us, that we go in grand style with thousands of pilgrims joining the world’s young Catholics in South Korea,” he said.
Sydney Catholic Youth team leader Campbell Evans said World Youth Day offered more than an overseas trip.
“It’s a chance for young people from every corner of the archdiocese to journey together in faith, build lasting friendships and experience the church on a global scale,” he said.
Seoul will host the first World Youth Day held in Asia since Manila in 1995 and the first staged in South Korea. It will also be the first celebrated under Pope Leo XIV.
The pilgrimage builds on Sydney’s enduring connection with World Youth Day after the city hosted Pope Benedict XVI and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in 2008.
Organisers hope the formation and friendships developed on the road to Seoul will continue strengthening Sydney’s young Catholic community as the archdiocese prepares to host the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028.
