WYD Symbols to Embark on Pilgrimage Across 15 Dioceses Nationwide This Year

Starting in Wonju on January 21,
Concluding in Jeonju on May 30 Next Year
Touring All 15 Dioceses Nationwide
Preparations for 2027 Seoul WYD Accelerate

The 'WYD Crucifix and Virgin Mary Icon,' symbols of World Youth Day (WYD), will embark on their official domestic pilgrimage, meeting young people across the country. The pilgrimage will begin on January 21 at Wondong Cathedral, the bishop’s seat of the Diocese of Wonju, and after being handed over from diocese to diocese, will travel through all 15 dioceses nationwide, concluding on May 30, 2027, in the Diocese of Jeonju.

'WYD Cross and Virgin Mary Icon' Domestic Pilgrimage Assignment Table. Provided by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea

As this nationwide pilgrimage gains momentum, preparations for the 'Diocesan Gatherings' to be held in each region ahead of the main 2027 Seoul World Youth Day are also expected to accelerate. The pilgrimage of the 'WYD Crucifix and Virgin Mary Icon' holds significance as a spiritual journey, guiding young people to solidarity in faith and to experience the unity of the community.

Previously, on November 24, 2024, the 'WYD Crucifix and Virgin Mary Icon Handover Ceremony' was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The two symbols arrived in Korea on November 29, 2024, and during the Advent season, visited the dioceses of Seoul, Incheon, Daegu, and Suwon, serving to unite young people in Korea. In 2025, they traveled through eight Asian countries, spreading the spirit of WYD, which is the solidarity of young people in faith across the continent hosting the event.

The 'WYD Crucifix' is a symbol created to commemorate the 'Extraordinary Jubilee of Redemption (1983-1984).' At the close of the Jubilee, Pope John Paul II entrusted this crucifix to young people, asking them to spread the love of Christ throughout the world. Since then, for over 40 years, the crucifix has journeyed to places in need of hope, accompanying young people worldwide.

The 'WYD Virgin Mary Icon' was first used at the 2000 Great Jubilee World Youth Day in Rome and, since 2003, has become an emblem of WYD alongside the crucifix. It signifies that the Virgin Mary is present as a mother in the lives of young people and has served as a symbol delivering messages of mercy and consolation.

In this way, the two symbols have traveled the world, standing in solidarity with those who suffer and carrying out the mission of spreading the hope of the Gospel. The Korean Church also plans to continue this tradition, expanding the meaning of WYD by conducting pilgrimages not only in churches but also in places where marginalized people are found and in various spaces where youth and young adults gather. After completing their journey through all 15 dioceses, the 'WYD Crucifix and Virgin Mary Icon' will return to Seoul in June 2027 for the final preparations ahead of the main event.

Detailed pilgrimage schedules for each diocese will be released sequentially on the official websites of each diocese and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea.