Philippines
2025.5.24-6.25
In the Beginning…
In June 2025, our group visited the Philippines, Asia's largest Catholic nation. Having previously prayed the Way of the Cross with the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross and Icon at a moving welcome ceremony in Korea, we now had the chance to pray before them once more in the Philippines. The thought of praying together with the local youth in their language and sharing stories with them made our hearts race with excitement.
Even before leaving, we knew that to the young Filipinos, as people from the first Asian nation to host WYD, the knowledge that they would be encountering the WYD Symbols again would bring them great joy. We also believed they would be happy to meet us, pilgrims from the second Asian nation to host WYD. Following the longing of our hearts, we set off to the Philippines.
Our Pilgrimage Together
Many dioceses wanted to host the WYD Symbols, so during our six days there we traveled to seven different regions. Each day, we arrived at a new parish, started with a welcoming ceremony, and went to find a new place to rest our heads only after the whole day's work had ended. Though the relentless pace continued, the time spent praying together, laughing, and chatting beside the Cross and Icon with the young people will remain a cherished memory.
Though the unfamiliar land felt strange at first, as we talked with the young Filipinos who joined us, the strangeness itself seemed insignificant. Before we knew it, we were laughing loudly and chatting with them, becoming good friends. Their unconditional openness to strangers and their hospitality allowed us to experience Jesus as He treats us. Neither culture, language, nor appearance became barriers for us. We know we will continue to feel the presence of Jesus, who befriends us with such a welcoming heart, through other young people and through each other on the way to WYD Seoul 2027.
Let’s Hear from the Locals
A cross across crosses! Away from home, I am still finding a family. An encounter with the WYD Cross and pilgrims from South Korea was a realization for me of how God connects the hearts of the young faithful. The day we welcomed the WYD Cross in our province was a grace-filled encounter as it brought hope to many young people. The youth in our country suffer from depression and stress that leads to anxiety. The WYD Cross, together with the pilgrims, brought hope to us that there's more in life, that we could still find hope in a cross! I am so blessed to be one of people to befriend and meet the Korean pilgrims. I was able to talk and mingle with them because of their humble and missionary presence. It made me realize that cultural differences will not hinder faith and love for one another, as the heart speaks a universal language of faith. It was a meaningful and hopeful encounter for me.
(Nelcy Francisco / Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan - Oriental Mindoro)
Creating WYD Seoul 2027 Together
With anticipation for the coming World Youth Day in Seoul, the young people are all very excited for the next international gathering of young Catholics in South Korea. While still waiting for the official instructions from the WYD LOC, different dioceses and youth organizations in the Philippines are preparing on their own, creating screening processes and raising money by gathering sponsors and planning fundraising activities. Various dioceses also held celebrations of Youth Days focused on the yearly WYD theme. These gatherings introduced WYD Seoul 2027, invited the young people to participate, and helped those who are interested spiritually prepare for the pilgrimage.
Young Filipinos are very excited to visit Korea, not only because they love Korean culture, but also because travelling to Seoul is easier and more possible than saving money to go to a European WYD. Personally, I can say that every young person I meet is excited to share their stories with young people of different cultures and gather more stories to bring back to the Philippines. I can already see that the young Filipinos are eager to join WYD Seoul 2027, get the opportunity to meet the Pope, and be part of the largest international gathering of young Catholics.
(Michael Angelo V. Seña / Diocese of Pasig)
Text and photos: Estelle Taeeun Kim, Peter Taeyoung Jeong, Stella Hyunyoung Jo