Reflection Date: May 20, 2026 | Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest
Daily Readings: Acts 15:1-6; John 17:11-19
Children of God:
The patron saints for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 have already been announced, and they offer a meaningful glimpse into the kind of faith the Church hopes to inspire in the youth.
The list includes Pope St. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day; St. Andrew Kim Taegon and companions, martyrs of the early Korean Church; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, known for her work with migrants; St. Josephine Bakhita, whose life reflected faith amid suffering; and St. Carlo Acutis, associated with evangelization in the digital age.
These saints were chosen after a nationwide survey of young people, youth ministers, and pastoral workers, followed by deliberation by the local organizing committee in Korea.
Organizers said they will continue introducing the saints through official platforms and develop programs to deepen engagement ahead of the 2027 gathering.
In the gospel of John, Jesus prayed for his disciples as they prepared to live in a world that would challenge their faith.
He asked the Father to protect them and to consecrate them in truth.
What can guide us today as we navigate this reality?
First, we are called to live in the world without losing our identity.
Jesus said, “They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.”
He reminded his disciples that their identity came from their relationship with God.
Even as they lived among others, they were called to remain different in values and purpose.
The patron saints of World Youth Day showed this clearly.
They lived in societies that often opposed their beliefs, yet they did not abandon their faith.
Instead, they embraced their identity as followers of Christ.
Their courage came from knowing who they were.
In our lives, we are also surrounded by influences that can shape our thinking and behavior.
It is easy to blend in and lose our sense of direction.
Yet Jesus invited us to remain rooted in him.
When we know our identity, we can live confidently even in challenging environments.
We are called to live in the world without losing our identity
Second, we are called to stay rooted in truth.
Jesus said, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.”
He emphasized that truth is what sets his followers apart and keeps them grounded.
In our daily journey, truth helps us discern what is right and meaningful.
Without it, we can become confused or easily influenced.
This grounding gives us strength to remain faithful.
We are called to stay rooted in truth
As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Do I remain true to my identity as a follower of Christ in my daily life?
Do I allow the truth of God’s word to guide my decisions? Do I have the courage to stand firm even when it is difficult?
Children of God:
Our identity and strength come from God.
Like the saints, we are invited to witness through our lives.
Each day offers a chance to choose faithfulness.
We are part of a larger story of believers who remained strong.
May we continue this journey with confidence and hope.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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