------------------------
(Originally published by the Archdiocese of Seoul on May 26, 2025. Reposted with permission.)
------------------------

In a meaningful gesture of gratitude and spiritual unity, the World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) hosted a May Crowning & Fellowship Night for its volunteers on May 24 at 5:00 PM at the front yard of the LOC office building. The event brought together around 150 dedicated volunteers who have contributed their time, energy, and talents to the ongoing preparations for WYD.

The evening commenced with the May Crowning, a Marian devotion presided over by Bishop Paul Kyeong-sang Lee, General Coordinator of the WYD Seoul 2027 LOC. It opened with gentle meditations and Marian hymns, drawing participants into a spirit of calm reflection and communal prayer. Volunteers then came forward one by one to offer a rose to Mary, each choosing from five baskets representing a personal intention: communications, humbleness, enthusiasm, trustful surrender, and devout faith. This symbolic act allowed them to express what they hoped to cultivate spiritually through their work in preparation for WYD.

At the close of the ceremony, Bishop Lee offered a brief message of appreciation and encouragement to the volunteers: “Your dedication is the living spirit of WYD. Every prayer, every effort you’ve offered is a seed of grace. May you never forget that the work you do here is building not just an event, but a generation rooted in Christ.”

The celebration continued at 6:00 PM with Fellowship Night, where the spirit of community and gratitude came to life. Around ten priests from the LOC accompanied the volunteers throughout the evening and played a special role in this portion of the program, trading clerics for aprons as they served food and drinks to each table. Their warm and humble service created a festive and familial atmosphere. Bishop Lee spent time sitting with the young people, sharing conversations and laughter, and made his way from table to table to personally greet and thank everyone present.

The evening concluded with a lively lucky draw, with volunteers receiving various gifts and coupons—a fun finale to a night filled with joy, prayer, and deepened fellowship.

The May Crowning & Fellowship Night served not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a spiritual milestone, strengthening the unity and commitment of those preparing for WYD Seoul 2027.