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(Originally published by the Archdiocese of Seoul on July 21, 2025. Reposted with permission.)
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On Saturday, July 19, the Archdiocese of Seoul held a solemn and joyful send-off event for over 1,000 young Catholics participating in “Project 1004,” a major pilgrimage initiative leading up to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. The celebration took place at the aula magna of Dongsung High School, bringing together youth, clergy, and diocesan leaders just days before the group departs for Italy.

Project 1004—named after the Korean word cheon-sa (meaning both “angel” and the number 1004)—aims to spiritually prepare 1,004+ youth pilgrims for the Jubilee events in Rome, while also forming future leaders for World Youth Day Seoul 2027.

From July 28 to August 3, the 1,078 youth pilgrims will travel in 18 subgroups across Assisi, Milan, and Turin, each following their respective itineraries designed by the Archdiocese. These routes include visits to significant Catholic heritage sites for prayer, formation, and encounter. Ultimately, all groups will converge in Rome to participate fully in the Jubilee of Youth, including the main events and the pilgrimage to the four major basilicas.

The July 19 send-off event began at 6:30 PM with an orientation designed to build unity and prepare hearts for the journey ahead. Participants engaged in group chants and supportive gestures and learned basic Italian phrases to help them navigate their upcoming pilgrimage experience.

At 7:30 PM, the community entered into the Send-off Mass, celebrated by Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and General Coordinator of the WYD Seoul Local Organizing Committee, together with more than 60 concelebrating priests. In his homily, Bishop Lee reflected on the Gospel of Martha and Mary, urging the young pilgrims to “remember that the true purpose of this pilgrimage is to encounter the love of the Lord, who comes to serve us.”

During the Mass, 1,078 pilgrims made a solemn pledge to love one another, give their best efforts, and be witnesses of hope throughout the journey.

The group will depart for Italy in the coming days. A special moment awaits them on July 31 at 10:00 AM, when all pilgrims will gather to celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome. The celebrant will be Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul and titular cardinal of San Crisogono. The homily will be delivered by Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee.