Welcome to a unique and engaging experience recently hosted by the Archdiocese of Seoul at Myeongdong Cathedral in South Korea! The once traditional backyard of the cathedral was transformed into a campsite, welcoming 600 young members of the Church for an event like no other.
The “Camp at the Cathedral” event, organized by the World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), aimed to bridge the gap between the Church and its younger followers through dialogue and shared experiences. The theme “Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) set the tone for the evening.
Picture this – the backyard set up as a campsite with groups of ten sitting in circles on camping chairs, surrounded by finger foods, beer, and refreshments, creating an intimate and welcoming ambiance. Initially cautious, the young attendees found themselves engaging in meaningful conversations with clergy, sisters, and volunteers as the night progressed.
Keynote speakers addressed the challenges faced by contemporary youth, sparking group discussions inspired by the Synod. Sang-wook Lee, President of the Youth Federation of the Archdiocese of Seoul, highlighted the need for new community events and good leaders to help young people find the meaning of service.
Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung expressed his gratitude for the honest stories shared by the young participants. In his words, “God loves us just as we are, may you experience that God is always with you in your joys, sorrows, and hurts.”
The LOC statement echoed Archbishop Chung’s dedication to hearing the voices of young people. “Camp at the Cathedral” beautifully showcased this vision and provided a unique platform for dialogue between the Church’s leaders and its future stewards.
Last year, Pope Francis announced Seoul as the host city for World Youth Day 2027. In response, Archbishop Chung is committed to creating an event that promotes “fraternity, spirituality, and social cohesion” across different cultures and religions. The “Camp at the Cathedral” event was just the beginning of this incredible journey.
