Broken Bay World Youth Day 2027 Pilgrimage
Expressions of Interest Now Open
The 41st World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3–8, 2027. This is the first global WYD to be held in Asia since 1995 when it was held in the Philippines.
The week-long gathering will follow a traditional WYD schedule:
August 3: Opening Mass and city walking tour.
August 4–6: Morning catechesis (teaching sessions), Youth Festival events, and the Stations of the Cross.
August 7: Pilgrimage walk and evening prayer vigil with Pope Leo.
August 8: Concluding Mass celebrated by Pope Leo.
The Diocese of Broken Bay has now opened Expressions of Interest for its pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD27) in Seoul, South Korea. Young people aged 15 to 35 from across the Central Coast, Northern Beaches, and North Shore—including students from Catholic Schools Broken Bay—are invited to embark on what many past participants describe as the experience of a lifetime.
Scheduled from 26 July to 12 August 2027, the Diocese is offering a single, comprehensive itinerary. The pilgrimage begins with a pre-pilgrimage through Japan before moving on to Seoul and then nearby Incheon in South Korea. Pilgrims will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in two ancient cultures, discover the history of the great saints and martyrs who evangelised Asia, and strengthen their faith.
In Seoul, the pilgrimage will attend WYD week (3–8 August), where Broken Bay youth will join an anticipated one million Catholics from across the world for Mass with Pope Leo. Notably, WYD27 will be the first World Youth Day celebrated with Pope Leo.
Hope and Heritage: WYD27 Vision
Established by St John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day has grown into the world's largest gathering of Catholic youth. The event holds a special place in local history, as Sydney hosted the gathering in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy across Australia and the Diocese of Broken Bay.
For this 41st World Youth Day, Pope Francis selected the inspiring theme:
"Take courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper, this verse serves to encourage young people to face the modern world with hope, faith, and bold confidence.
Introducing Baylee the Mascot
To champion the pilgrimage, the Diocese has introduced a WYD27 mascot: Baylee the Kookaburra. Full of joy, faith, and Australian spirit, Baylee represents the home regions of the Diocese. He serves as a reminder to all pilgrims to lead in the encounter of Jesus, build friendships, and be the light of the world.
Applications
Young adults and families interested in learning more or securing a spot on this transformative pilgrimage are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest form online.
EOI Response
Further information is available at the links below.
Broken Bay World Youth Day 2027
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 (WYD27)
Welcome to WYD 2027 in South Korea ↓
The patron saintrs of WYD 2027 in South Korea ↓