SEOUL (SE): A commissioning Mass was celebrated by the Archdiocese of Seoul for the young pilgrims heading for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal on July 15 at Youth Culture Centre Ju Donggyo Dong in Mapo-gu. It was concelebrated by Bishop Timothy Gyoung-Chon Yu, the episcopal vicar for Youth Ministry in the archdiocese, together with priests accompanying the pilgrimage.
The group of pilgrims also held its fifth and last preparation meeting.
In his homily, Bishop Yu emphasised, “I think that there will be many gifts from God during your pilgrimage,” noting, “The WYD is not just a trip, but an opportunity to feel and meet God.”
The bishop offered one tip to properly enjoy and experience the pilgrimage: “Every participant may have his or her own cause for participation. However, I hope that you will receive the God within you and pray that you will experience him more deeply during your journey.”
About 150 pilgrims, ranging from high school students to young adults in their 30s, are participating in WYD. The first group left for Santiago, Spain, on July 19.
Twenty-eight priests, including Bishop Yu, will also participate in WYD, which runs from August 1 to 6. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul, and the retired archbishop, Andrew Cardinal Soo-jung Yeom, will also attend the event.
