Young people across the Diocese of Parramatta are being invited to embark on a life-changing pilgrimage, with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta encouraging them to join the diocesan journey to the 17th International World Youth Day in August 2027 in Seoul, South Korea.
Launching the Diocese’s pilgrimage, Bishop Vincent echoed Pope Leo’s invitation to young people around the world: “Let us begin a journey that will lead us to the International World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027!”
“World Youth Day is far more than an international event,” Bishop Vincent said.
“It is a pilgrimage of faith that has transformed the lives of countless young people. Time and again, I have witnessed how this encounter with the universal Church deepens a young person’s relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthens their prayer, awakens a spirit of missionary discipleship, and forges lifelong friendships rooted in faith.”
Image: Speaking with young Pilgrims from the Parramatta Diocese in Assisi, Italy
Held every three to four years, World Youth Day gathers hundreds of thousands of young people from around the globe to celebrate their faith, encounter Christ, and journey with the Holy Father. The 2027 celebration will take place in Seoul, South Korea, under the theme “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Bishop Vincent said the Diocese of Parramatta has seen firsthand the lasting impact World Youth Day has had on previous pilgrims.
“Across our Diocese, I continue to be encouraged by the witness of those who have participated in previous World Youth Days,” he said.
“Their generosity, leadership, and commitment to the life of the Church remind us that when young people are invited to encounter Christ in a profound way, the whole Church is renewed.”
Bishop Vincent encouraged young adults aged 18 to 35 to prayerfully discern whether God is calling them to take part in the pilgrimage.
“It is with great hope that I invite the young people of our Diocese to prayerfully consider whether God may be calling you to join us for this pilgrimage to Seoul,” he said.
Prospective pilgrims, clergy and aspiring group leaders are invited to attend the official launch of the Diocese of Parramatta pilgrimage on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 6.30pm at Nagle College, Blacktown, where they can meet the pilgrimage team, hear more about the journey and begin the application process.
Image: Students meet with Bishop Vincent – WYD 2023
Bishop Vincent also called on the wider diocesan community to help make the pilgrimage possible for the next generation.
“I encourage parents, families, parish communities, schools, clergy and pastoral leaders to recognise this as an opportunity to invest in the faith of our young people,” he said.
“Your encouragement, prayers and support can help make this life-changing experience possible.”
Parishes are being encouraged to begin identifying and supporting potential pilgrims over the coming months through prayer, fundraising and practical encouragement.
As preparations begin, Bishop Vincent said he hopes the pilgrimage will continue the rich legacy of faith inspired by World Youth Day and its patron saints.
“I pray that our young people, and those that accompany them on this journey, will be transformed by this experience, and that the example of Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and the other patron saints of WYD27 will inspire and renew them in their faith.”
“Together, let us accompany our young people as they take courage, step out in faith, and encounter Christ alongside youth from across the world.”
The Diocese of Parramatta pilgrimage will be led by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP), in partnership with Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese and Harvest Journeys. The pilgrimage is expected to run over 17 days, from 26 July to 11 August 2027, and will include an immersion experience with the local Church in Korea before World Youth Day, followed by a retreat after the international gathering concludes.
Expressions of Interest for the Diocese of Parramatta pilgrimage are now open. Young adults interested in joining the pilgrimage can find more information and register their interest at www.parrawyd.org.
The Diocese of Parramatta’s pilgrimage to WYD27 is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Mission and Formation and the objective of a Church Renewed in Prayer and Spirit. Visit Synodality to learn more.
