South Korean Youth Delegation Visits Bangladesh to promote WYD 2027

A dynamic youth delegation from South Korea visited the Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh with Message of Faith and Unity Ahead of WYD 2027 from July 4 to 7, as part of a global campaign to promote Seoul’s World Youth Day (WYD) 2027.

The visit was marked by cultural exchange, spiritual unity, and a shared commitment to deepening faith among young Catholics.

Led by Father Alberto Song, Chongho, a member of the WYD 2027 Special Planning Group and Religious Advisor from the Catholic Church in South Korea, the delegation included Camera Director Daegun Andrea Lee Jeongseok, and youth representatives Germano Son Yejun and John Kim Minseong.

The team visited a number of key institutions in the Diocese, including parish churches, youth hostels, Bangladesh Catholic Students' Movement (BCSM), Young Christian Students (YCS), the Rajshahi Cathedral, and the Missionaries of Charity (MC) Sisters' house. They also met with Catholic families and engaged directly with local youth, creating meaningful bonds.

"We came to share not just information about WYD 2027, but to build spiritual bridges," said Father Song. "What I witnessed in Rajshahi Diocese exceeded all expectations. The youth here are vibrant in their faith, sincere in heart, and open to the global Church. Their testimonies during the pilgrimage of the WYD Cross and Marian Icon touched me deeply."

Father Song recalled how the WYD Cross - entrusted to the Korean Church by Pope Francis - had reached Bangladesh in May after many challenges, sparking a spiritual revival among young Catholics. "Hearing the young people speak of their experiences with the Cross gave me hope and gratitude. Their stories will resonate with us as we prepare for WYD 2027."

As Seoul prepares to welcome the world’s youth in two years, the South Korean delegation emphasized both logistical and spiritual preparation. Father Song noted, "Yes, organizing such a large-scale event is demanding. But even more important is the spiritual groundwork, through prayer, reflection, and faith formation. WYD must be a deep encounter with the living Christ, not just a festival."

Father Song added that the Church in Korea hopes for WYD 2027 to be a catalyst for unity across cultures and nations. "We ask for the continued prayers and support of the Church in Bangladesh and throughout Asia. Let us walk together in this journey of faith."

The 2027 World Youth Day will be historic, marking the first time the event is held in East Asia and in a Christian-minority nation. The chosen theme, "Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World" (John 16:33), reflects a call for resilience and spiritual strength in the face of challenges.

Pope Francis announced Seoul as the next host city during the closing Mass of WYD 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Since then, the Archdiocese of Seoul has been actively preparing, even hosting preliminary youth festivals to stir excitement and readiness.

Beyond its religious scope, WYD 2027 in South Korea is expected to promote interreligious dialogue, given the country’s rich religious and cultural diversity. Organizers hope it will inspire young people to live out their faith boldly, serve as witnesses to the Gospel, and contribute to peace in a rapidly changing world.

For the youth of Rajshahi Diocese, this visit served as a reminder of their important place in the global Catholic family. As one young participant shared, “Meeting the Korean delegation made me feel that my faith connects me to something much bigger. I feel encouraged to prepare myself spiritually and maybe even dream of attending WYD in Seoul.”

As the countdown to WYD 2027 continues, the seeds planted in Bangladesh during this visit may grow into a fruitful harvest of faith, unity, and mission for the youth of Asia and beyond.