Timor-Leste
2025.8.23-8.30
In the Beginning…
(Rosaria Hyeonkyeong Kim) When I was selected to join the pilgrimage of the WYD Symbols to Timor-Leste, a small country between Indonesia and Australia, I didn’t know much about it. However, through our preparatory meetings I learned more about the country, transforming my trepidation into excitement. Our priest, who had lived there as a missionary, told us it was “a romantic place where faith takes precedence over law.” It deepened my curiosity to find people who place God's love, not the world, at the center of their lives.
(Josephina Sujin Lim) From the moment I was selected, I thought about what I should prepare. As I was contemplating what I could bring on this pilgrimage that might help the people I would meet, our priest said, “It would be good to bring a rosary.” That’s when I realized that the only thing I needed to prepare was prayer, and with that, I started this pilgrimage.
Our Pilgrimage Together
Upon arriving in Timor-Leste, we embarked on a pilgrimage on foot from the airport, where we had received a grand welcome, to Dili Cathedral, carrying the WYD Cross and Icon while praying the rosary.
The road, normally bustling with traffic, was now closed off. A procession of people walked along it, praying as they followed the Symbols, and the gathering grew larger and larger. Fixing my eyes only on the Cross, I suddenly realized the other Koreans were nowhere to be found. My cell phone had no signal, and I was surrounded by unfamiliar people. Anxiety and fear washed over me. Then, several of them took my hand, smiled, and encouraged me to pray with them. Their warm touch calmed my heart. Looking ahead again, the Cross and Icon came into view. “Yes, I was walking with my eyes on the Cross. And I came here to walk this path with these people.” In that moment, my heart found peace, and I felt no more fear until I reached the church.
I remember every path and person encountered on that pilgrimage journey. Along the road where the Cross and Icon passed, people knelt in worship, waved their hands, and gazed with prayerful hearts. More than a simple welcome, they expressed their sincere love and faith.
For them, faith was not merely a matter of belief but of living it out, and God's love was not just a word but life itself. Though the pilgrimage to Timor-Leste has become a memory, the path we walked together following the WYD Cross and Icon continues in our lives today as we walk along the road toward WYD Seoul 2027.
Let’s Hear from the Locals
For me, the WYD Cross and Icon are more than just symbols of our Religion; they are the living heart of our Christian tradition, especially in our Catholic spirituality in Timor-Leste.
This is my experience with the Icon of Mary during World Youth Day. In those moments, I received a great grace in my life because I was able to meet the WYD Icon in a true and profound way. Through her presence, I learned how I can imitate the holiness of Mary's life. This experience strengthened my belief and gave me deeper hope as a young person. It showed me a path to draw closer to God.
Now, I feel called to give true witness about God and to grow in my Faith through Jesus Christ and our Mother, Mary.
(Bonifácio Lima Marçal Ka)
Through the visit of the WYD Cross and the Icona Maria Salus Populi to Timor-Leste, I felt very proud and joyful to be able to come and visit with the Symbols, which stayed for a week to visit the faithful during the journey to Bobonaro, gathering with youth to celebrate the National Youth Day.
As a young person, whenever I looked at the Cross and the Icon, for me it was a symbol of a very strong faith that revived my deep feelings and spiritual connection and strengthened my faith to face challenges and knowledge of how to embrace reconciliation and become a living witness to the Gospel in my life's pilgrimage. The Cross brings to mind Christ's sacrifice and resurrection as our hope, while the Icon signifies Mary as a protective maternal figure who draws people closer to Jesus and offers consolation and strength. These symbols help me to feel the presence of Jesus and Mother Mary.
And through the faith shown by the Timorese people—in their prayers, tears, and patience on the road waiting for the Cross walking together with Mother Mary—I am deeply moved to always place my hope and firm faith in the Cross and Mother Mary, who are always there for everyone.
(Remizia Da Silva Gouveia Leite)
Creating WYD Seoul 2027 Together
Timor-Leste is filled with fervent enthusiasm for WYD Seoul 2027. Centered around the youth group “Sinodal”, comprised of people who participated in the 2025 Jubilee Year events in Rome, young Timorese youth are preparing spiritually for WYD Seoul 2027. Despite challenging circumstances, their resolve to share the joy of the gospel is stronger than anyone's. However, the reality of the economic situation of their country presents a significant barrier for these young people. Warm support to sustain their journey is urgently needed so that the fervent faith of Timor-Leste, a young Church in Asia, can fully shine in Seoul.
Text and photos: Rosaria Hyunkyung Kim, Josephina Sujin Lim