World Youth Day
Seoul 2027

Quick Facts

Jul 29 - Aug 9, 2027

(For diocesan pilgrims)

Ages 18-35

(For English Pilgrims)

Seoul, South Korea

What is WYD?

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young people from around the world, initiated by Pope John Paul II. Shifting locations every 2-4 years, pilgrims encounter Jesus alongside the Holy Father and over 1 million other young Catholics.

Travel with the diocese

Experience WYD Seoul alongside 60 young Canadian Catholics!

World Youth Day isn’t a vacation or a sightseeing trip. It’s a pilgrimage: a chance to encounter God in a real and personal way. You’ll join millions of young people from every country, culture, and language, united by one thing: Jesus.

Are you ready to experience the universal Church?

Your Pilgrimage Starts Here

Gather with other registered pilgrims to receive logistics and begin spiritual preparation for WYD.
March 15, 2027
The deadline for the final payment towards the cost of the trip.
July 29 to Aug 2, 2027
Pilgrims are billeted in local homes, participating in local activities (Mass, sporting and cultural events). It’s a chance to engage with communities and experience how they live out their faith.
Aug 2, 2027
The diocesan group travels from the host diocese to Seoul.
Aug 3, 2027
WYD begins with an opening Mass presided over by the Ordinary of the diocese hosting the event.
Aug 3 to Aug 6, 2027
Various events for young people are held around the host diocese.
Aug 6, 2027
The Pope and the pilgrims gather together to meditate on the Way of the Cross prepared for them by young people.
Aug 7, 2027
On Saturday, all the pilgrims move to the venue for the Closing Mass. With the Holy Father, they pray and adore the Eucharist before settling in to spend the night there.
Aug 8, 2027
As Sunday dawns, the pilgrims celebrate Mass with the Pope. After the Closing Mass, the Holy Father announces the host of the next World Youth Day.
Aug 9, 2027
The diocesan group travels back home to Ottawa.
Dates TBA
Pilgrims gather together again to reflect on their experience.

2027 Theme

"Take courage!
I have overcome the world."

Jn 16:33

FAQ

Unanswered questions? Reach out to us at mission@ottawacornwall.ca.

What ages can join the diocesan trip?

For English participants, you must be between the ages of 18-35 years old by July 2027.

 

For French participants, you must be between the ages of 16-35 by July 2027. 

The diocesan trip has 60 total spots available.

You can cancel your spot up until 110 days before departure. Please note that cancellation involves a $1,000 fee.

 

You can also opt to transfer your spot to another pilgrim. You can transfer up until 110 days before departure. Please note that transferring involves a $350 fee.

Any young person aged 14-35 can attend World Youth Day on their own. By arranging a diocesan trip, we hope to simplify the journey for participants by handling schedules, registration, travel and accomodations, and by providing community.

 

World Youth Day is meant to be a communal celebration; we think it’s best experienced as a group! One of the benefits of travelling together is forming friendships that can continue even after WYD ends. 

All young people are welcome to participate in WYD, regardless of faith! However, it’s important to know that this is a Catholic event/trip. Pilgrims will be participating in Catholic Masses, sacraments, prayer, worship, etc. If you aren’t a practicing Catholic or don’t hold the same beliefs, you may find the trip challenging.

Registered participants must attend all parts of the trip. If you’re looking for a more flexible schedule, or wish to visit other parts of Korea, you’ll need to do so solo.

 

While we’ll definitely enjoy various tourist attractions, this diocesan trip is a pilgimage, not a vacation. The focus is on Jesus. The goal is to deepen your reationship with him and have your faith strengthened by experiencing the international church.

Our diocesan trip is run jointly by our English aan French Pastoral Departments, meaning it is officially a bilingual trip. Please note that there are minor differences between the English and French aspects of the trip, including the age of participants.