Seoul: In a vibrant and prayerful ceremony, the Archdiocese of Seoul officially sent off 1,078 young Catholics who are set to participate in the upcoming Jubilee of Youth in Rome. The event, held on Saturday, July 19, at Dongsung High School’s aula magna, marked both a celebration of faith and a spiritual commissioning for the international pilgrimage.
According to the Archdiocese’s official announcement, the evening opened at 6:30 PM with a dynamic program designed to stir joy and unity among the youth. Group singing, symbolic gestures of solidarity, and practical activities such as learning basic Italian phrases helped set the tone for the journey ahead.
At 7:30 PM, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and head of preparations for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, presided over the Holy Mass, joined by more than 60 priests. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, which recounts Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary, Bishop Lee urged the young pilgrims to make space for divine encounter.
“The goal of this journey is not simply travel, but transformation,” he said. “Let this be a time to meet the Lord, who comes to serve and love us.”
During the liturgy, the youth publicly pledged to be ambassadors of love and hope, promising to support one another and remain faithful throughout their pilgrimage.
The initiative, named Project 1004 (a reference to the Korean word cheon-sa, meaning both “angel” and the number 1004), embodies more than just a trip to Rome. It is both a spiritual journey and a leadership formation program aimed at preparing Korea’s next generation of Catholic leaders ahead of the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul.
From July 28 to August 3, the pilgrims divided into 18 groups will travel through Italy’s sacred heritage sites, including Assisi, Milan, and Turin, before assembling in Rome for the core Jubilee events. Their pilgrimage will culminate in a symbolic walk through the Holy Doors of the papal basilicas, a hallmark of Jubilee Years.
A highlight of the pilgrimage will be a special Mass at the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome on July 31 at 10:00 AM. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul and titular cardinal of the basilica, will preside over the celebration. Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee will deliver the homily.
As these young pilgrims prepare to cross continents and cultures, they carry with them not only backpacks and passports, but also the hopes of a Church investing in its future one joyful, faith-filled step at a time.