MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –
Source: The Holy See in Italian
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Archdiocese of Seoul
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – From a land where faith was transmitted “without the assistance of missionaries”, young people will be called to become “courageous missionaries” who can bear witness to the joy of the Gospel in every corner of the planet. This is the hope of the organizers of the next World Youth Day, scheduled to be held in Seoul in 2027, which already has its logo and theme. “Be of good courage: I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33) is the theme chosen by the Pope, while the logo depicts a red and blue cross. These colors symbolize Christ’s triumphal victory over the world. Inspired by traditional Korean art, the overall design uses the unique brushstroke techniques of Korean painting and subtly incorporates the Hangul characters that represent Seoul. Furthermore, the red on one side of the cross symbolizes the blood of the martyrs, harmonizing with the theme of “courage”. The blue represents the vitality of young people and symbolizes God’s call. Together, these colors reflect the Taegeuk motif of the Korean flag. The yellow that shines behind the cross represents Christ, who is the “Light of the World” and shines on the Church like the sun that rises from the East and guides the Church towards unity. Both were announced this morning during a press conference held in the Vatican, attended by Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, the Dicastery under which the organization of World Youth Day falls, Peter Soon-Taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and President of the Local Organizing Committee of Seoul 2027, Paul Kyung Sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and General Coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027. “The pilgrimage to WYD Seoul 2027 will be more than a simple gathering,” said the Archbishop of Seoul, specifying that what will begin with the Jubilee “will be a significant journey in which young people, united with Jesus Christ, will reflect and discuss the modern challenges and the injustices they face. It will be a grand celebration that will allow everyone to experience the vibrant and energetic culture that young Koreans have created. It will also be an opportunity to immerse themselves in and share the dynamic and passionate culture that young Koreans have produced. Furthermore, through this celebration, young Koreans will have a valuable opportunity to engage and share the concerns and passions of their peers.” Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee noted that Korea “is in a unique context, different from previous World Youth Days, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of different religious traditions. In this context, the Korean Catholic Church has consistently embodied the Christian virtues of ‘forgiveness’ and ‘sharing’, promoting these values in society and peacefully coexisting with other faiths. In a persistent reality of a ‘divided nation’, over the past seven decades the Church has worked diligently to resolve the conflicts inherent in this division, seeking peace and unity for the Korean people. The emergence of K-Catholic and K-Faith among our young people is a testimony to these efforts. Our young people and our young believers remain open to interreligious dialogue and aspire to harmonious and peaceful coexistence”. The journey to Seoul will, however, pass through Rome first. As is customary after every international WYD, in fact, the young people of Lisbon will deliver the symbols of WYD to the young Koreans, namely the Youth Cross and the icon of the Salus populi romani on November 24, Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, during the Holy Mass that will be presided over by the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica. “Our hope is that many young people, even those who have never participated in a WYD, in the next three years will travel a path, especially an interior one, to meet in Asia together with the Successor of Peter and to give together a courageous testimony of Christ”, concluded Cardinal Farrel. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 24/9/2024)
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.