Church representatives from more than 100 countries concluded a four-day World Youth Day preparatory meeting on Sept. 17 with a call to bring preparations for the 2027 gathering into dioceses, parishes, and youth communities worldwide.
About 400 delegates attended the Second International Preparatory Meeting, organized by the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life and the Seoul World Youth Day organizing committee.
Participants included representatives of bishops’ conferences and related organizations from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Asia, as well as delegates from about 160 dioceses, religious congregations, and Catholic movements.
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul urged participants to use the remaining preparation period to share their experiences and strengthen plans for the August 2027 gathering.
“Our experiences were different, but I felt that we were united in our desire to convey the joy and hope of Christ to young people,” said Archbishop Chung during a Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral on Sept. 16.
“I hope that during the remaining time, you will fully share your experiences and wisdom so that we can better prepare for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day,” the prelate added.
He asked delegates to carry the preparation process back to their local churches after the meeting.
“When the Second International Preparatory Meeting ends, and you return to your respective countries and dioceses, please make the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day known in your countries and dioceses, parishes and youth communities,” he said.
Reflecting on the WYD theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world,” Archbishop Chung described the gathering as a journey involving the wider Church.
“The 2027 Seoul World Youth Day is a pilgrimage prepared by the whole Church and walked together by the whole Church,” he said.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, had made a similar appeal when the meeting opened on Sept. 14. “The pilgrimage of World Youth Day begins today,” he said.
He said the journey toward next August should begin in dioceses and parishes and should not be treated simply as travel to attend a weeklong event. Preparation, he added, should include living and practicing the faith within communities and families.
At the closing Mass on Sept. 17, Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee, general coordinator of Seoul WYD 2027, told participants that returning to their countries carried a mission of its own.
“As we conclude this time together, we are now given a mission and return to our respective places,” said Bishop Lee.
“We must live in our daily lives the love of God that we experienced here and share it with others,” he added.
The prelate urged delegates to return to their countries, dioceses and communities and share what they had received during the meeting.
“Let us pray for our young people. Let us walk with them and encourage them. Let us become people who open our hearts to God, open our hearts to one another, and open our hearts to the world,” he said.
The Sept. 14-17 meeting allowed participants to review preparations for Seoul 2027, exchange experiences from previous gatherings, and discuss the pastoral legacy, challenges, and future opportunities of World Youth Day.
