These are Saint John Paul II (1920–2005), founder of World Youth Day, remembered for his attention to young people, the family, and the dignity of human life; Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846) and his companions, the first Korean Catholic priest, a symbol of faith and courage, martyred at a young age; Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917), a missionary known for her care of migrants and the poor; Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947), a freed slave who later became a nun, a witness to hope, freedom, and faith transformed through suffering; and Saint Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), a young saint of the digital age whose life remains a model of digital evangelization.
Official Prayer for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Loving Lord of all young people, we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy. Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you. May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church, and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever. May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage, realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world. Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love, by your wonderous hand you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea. Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts, making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth. Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day we may listen to each other, discern your will, and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen. ○ Our Lady of mercy and peace, pray for us. ○ Holy patrons of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, pray for all young people. Amen.
How they were Chosen The selection process began in late 2024 with a nationwide survey of young people, youth ministry leaders, and formators, followed by an evaluation of the candidates and a final selection by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Subsequently, according to a press release, a group of young volunteers spent two months studying the lives and spirituality of the five patron saints. Through discussion and shared reflection, the young people prepared a prayer and a representative symbol for each saint, seeking to express the distinctive witness that each offers to young people today.
Vatican Prefect: Sainthood is not a distant ideal
“Patron saints play a fundamental role in the preparation for each World Youth Day,” says Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. According to the Cardinal, “They invite young people, formators, and pastors to reflect on the gift of God’s call, on the baptismal, priestly, religious, and marital vocations, encouraging us to respond with generosity and courage in following Christ, who conquered the world, as the theme of the next WYD reminds us.” Cardinal Farrell hopes that their witness may inspire young people, especially in contexts marked by difficulties and persecution, to see that “holiness is not a distant ideal,” but a call to which they must respond.
The Archbishop of Seoul: A Deep Spiritual Bond with the Saints
“These patron saints,” explained Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, president of the Seoul 2027 World Youth Day Local Organizing Committee, “span continents and generations, and each one offers a concrete path for living the faith in the realities that young people face today.” The archbishop hopes that young people will establish a deep spiritual connection with the patron saints.
Which saint are you?
The Local Organizing Committee, on the official WYD Seoul 2027 website and social media, presents the lives and spirituality of the patron saints through additional content and programs to help young people connect more deeply with their stories. There is also an interactive feature called "Discover Your Patron Saint!" designed in the style of personality tests and interactive quizzes. This feature invites users to answer a series of multiple-choice questions to discover which of the five patron saints best reflects their personality.
Comments