ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - In view of the Holy Year and World Youth Day: young people in dialogue and on pilgrimage

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Among the initiatives in view of the Holy Year 2025 and World Youth Day in 2027, there is also the dialogue that young people want to have with their parish priests and the Archbishop in a synodal form, to share ideas and hopes, and the commitment to peace by taking part in a pilgrimage along the Demilitarized Zone next August.
Hundreds of young people have already met with priests, religious and bishops to experience a special dialogue, a human and spiritual dialogue, in Myeongdong Cathedral. In an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between young people and their parish priests, they had the unique opportunity to speak directly with Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee and other high-ranking Church representatives.
About 600 young people gathered in the courtyard of Myeongdong Cathedral on the evening of June 28 for the "Camp at the Cathedral" organized by the local organizing committee of World Youth Day Seoul 2027. Under the motto "Do not be afraid, I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10), an attempt was made to build a bridge between the generations by having a meaningful dialogue and exchange of experiences with the Pastors, who actively participated in the discussions and interactions in the groups.
"The atmosphere," said a statement from the archdiocese, "was truly unprecedented: it was the first time such a large event had been held in the cathedral courtyard. The space was transformed into a welcoming environment for all participants. Divided into groups of ten, each assisted by a priest, consecrated person or volunteer, they sat in a circle on camping chairs, creating an intimate and welcoming environment. The young participants were somewhat surprised by this arrangement and were initially a little shy, especially because they were so close to the bishops. As the evening progressed, however, these barriers dissolved and meaningful conversations began to take place."
During the meeting, four young people highlighted important challenges facing young people today and shared their experiences of faith. Each presentation was followed by group discussions - a method encouraged by the Synod. Young Catholic Sang-wook Lee pointed to a "certain spiritual apathy" that can result from perceiving the Church as "distant" and stressed the need for committed and present animators and pastors who help young people see the meaning of service and apostolate. Archbishop Chung gave a heartfelt closing speech in which he thanked the young participants for their honesty and willingness to tell their stories, noting that "it was a precious time to hear the stories of your lives." The archbishop also quoted Pope Francis in this context: "God loves us as we are, no matter what we achieve or who we become. As we prepare for WYD, may each and every one of us experience that God is always with us, in joys, sorrows and wounds." The initiative stems from Archbishop Chung's desire to create opportunities to listen to the voice of young people. The "Camp at the Cathedral" exemplified this vision and provided a unique platform for dialogue within the church community.
Meanwhile, young Koreans, with their enthusiasm to advance the peace and reconciliation process on the Korean peninsula at a time of great political tension, are preparing for a pilgrimage called "Winds of Peace in the Demilitarized Zone." Organized by the National Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul, the pilgrimage will take place from September 29 to 1. Thousands of young people will walk along the border between North and South Korea, sending messages of hope and peace.
The initiative, a flagship of the Office for Youth Ministry in Seoul, has been running since 2012 and aims to help young people become "apostles of peace." This year, the focus is particularly on the Holy Year of 2025, when young people dream of a return to dialogue between North and South Korea. The youth pilgrimage, marked by prayers, songs, cultural and spiritual reflections, will touch the towns of Ganghwa, Paju, Yeoncheon and Cheorwon (all along the border), with the declared aim of bringing "a wind of reconciliation" to the Korean peninsula. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 1/7/2024)

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