NASPA Briefing: World Youth Day
World Youth Day 2027 preparations are beginning to pick up steam, and now is the time for shrines to connect with the Director of Youth Ministry in your diocese to see how you can collaborate.
What you need to know
World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea from August 3-8, 2027. The theme is “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Hundreds of thousands of youth are expected to attend.
Who to contact
The point person at the diocesan level is likely to be the Director of Youth Ministry. All parishes sending youth will probably have to register through him or her.
What to offer
Shrines can offer events that link the local to the global. The USCCB has a handbook of Stateside events from the 2023 WYD in Lisbon you might want to review for ideas before you contact your diocesan office. These include 1- and 2-day events, evening programs, local pilgrimages, and local mission projects. You might also want to review the handbook of spiritual goals published on the WYD 2027 website.
Some ideas:
A special Mass that gathers WYD attendees before their departure
A novena for those attending WYD or participation in the One Billion Decades of the Rosary
A walking pilgrimage to your shrine for youth who can’t afford to go to Korea. Perhaps include a tree-planting event to connect with the Breath of Life campaign
A series of local WYD events that parallel events in Seoul
Devotional materials that link your saint or shrine to the theme “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)
A watch party for key WYD events
An after-you-return reunion for attendees
A prayer card with the image of the icon of Salus Populi Romani, the official WYD image of Our Lady, as a gift from your shrine to attendees (make sure your Shrine’s logo and address are on the back!) If you do this, perhaps display a copy of the image at your shrine during that week for parents to pray in front of.
Got more ideas to add? Let us know at support@catholicshrines.org
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