Pilgrimage coordinators from dioceses, eparchies and Catholic organisations met recently through the National World Youth Day Coordinators Network, facilitated by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s National Centre for Evangelisation. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
Since April, the network has met monthly, supporting pilgrimage leaders through prayer, formation and shared experience.
More than 35 coordinators and leaders met on June 11 in a hybrid gathering at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney and online.
The session was facilitated by Qwayne Guevara, Facilitator for Young People and Formation, and Malcolm Hart, Director of the NCE.
Fr Michael Kong of the Melbourne Archdiocese provided insights into Korean culture and faith.
The participation reflects the commitment of Australia’s bishops to World Youth Day, with dioceses appointing coordinators and leadership teams to accompany young people on pilgrimage.
Bishop George Kolodziej SDS, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference delegate for youth, encouraged young people to consider the pilgrimage in his recent diocesan launch.
“Dear young people, come with me on pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027. Come and experience the beauty of the universal Church, young people from every nation, united in one faith,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
Ms Guevara said the network was focused on supporting and equipping leaders and facilitating collaboration and community.
“World Youth Day is a rare opportunity where young people experience the Church in its fullness,” she said.
“They encounter Christ through millions of people across cultures, languages and expressions of faith and realise they belong to something much bigger than themselves.
“This is not something new. It is God continuing what has already been unfolding in the life of the Church.
“My hope is that Seoul deepens that story, strengthening communion across the Church in Australia and drawing out the gifts and leadership already emerging in young people, especially as we move towards the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028.”
The National World Youth Day Coordinators Network will continue to meet throughout 2026 and 2027 as preparations for Seoul continue.
World Youth Day will be held from August 3-8, 2027.
FULL STORY
Australian Catholics prepare for World Youth Day 2027 (ACBC Media Blog)
