Diocesan Pilgrimage to the World Youth Day 2027 Invitation

The Bishop of Bunbury, the Most Rev. George Kolodziej SDS DD, is inviting the young people of our diocese aged from 18 and above to take part in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, South Korea.

The World Youth Day is a gathering of young people from across the globe organised by the Catholic Church. The WYD started on the 20th of December 1985 when the late Pope Saint John Paul II, inspired by around 300,000 people who gathered during the 1984 Palm Sunday Jubilee and the 1985 UN International Year of Youth in Rome, thought of providing a global space for the young people to encounter Christ, seek guidance in their questions in life, and to share their wonderful faith to the world.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage is being planned to take place from the 27th of July until the 11th of August 2027. It will offer young people an opportunity to deepen their relationship with Christ, encounter different cultures, build friendships with young Catholics from around the world, and participate in the joyful and vibrant public celebrations of the Catholic faith.

In his homily during the WYD Launch Mass on 19 April 2026, Bishop George Kolodziej SDS DD, encouraged young people to take the first step in faith, even amid uncertainty.

“This is where every pilgrimage begins. Not when everything is clear. Not when life is perfectly in order. But when we are willing to walk just as we are with Christ. Dear young people, you do not need to have everything figured out. You only need the courage to take the first step.”

Bishop George’s message serves as an invitation to young people to embrace the pilgrimage not simply as a journey to another country, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth, personal encounter, and missionary discipleship.

The estimated cost of the pilgrimage is AUD $7,000, with a pre-registration payment of $600, a deposit of $500 due in November, and final payments due in April 2027. We expect the cost stipulated to change due to a number of factors such participant number and the fluctuating cost of commodities.

Pre-registration is now open for young people wishing to participate in this journey of faith, friendship, and mission. Interested participants can begin their pre-registration through the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/JrrwUqTGPR This pilgrimage is organised by the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office headed by Aaron Faure.