5 Brief prayers to the 5 patrons of WYD Seoul ’27

The organizers of World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul released brief prayers to the five saints who have been named patrons of the event.

They also decided on a symbol that is associated with each one, and represents a particular element of their lives that we can imitate.

Here are the prayers and the symbols.

The official website of WYD'27 is here.

Merciful Lord,
hear the intercession of Saint John Paul II,
who found hope in young people
and called them together in the Church.
Grant that we too may proclaim the joy of the Gospel to the whole world
and help build a world
where the culture of life may flourish.

Symbol: Crozier
The crozier is one of the liturgical insignia of a bishop, symbolizing the office of the Good Shepherd,
who protects, cares for, and guides the flock entrusted to him by the Holy Spirit. The crozier
associated with Saint John Paul II is especially well known for its distinctive cruciform design, and it
has become a symbolic sign of the pastoral spirit and mission he embodied.

Lord, source of all truth,
you led Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, in response to your love,
to reveal your glory through martyrdom.
Grant that we too, following your word, "Take courage,"
may overcome every fear
and boldly bear witness to Christ
with fervent love.

Symbol: Red Stole
The red stole symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean priest. Though only 25 years old, he endured severe torture and attained the glory of martyrdom. Even in prison, he revealed his steadfast faith in God, leaving behind letters that encouraged the persecuted Catholics of Joseon until the very end.

Lord of all peoples,
as we remember Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini,
who became a mother to migrants
and showed the world an example of hospitality,
grant that we may recognize you in those who are strangers to us,
break down the walls of prejudice and discrimination,
and build bridges that bring people together.

Symbol: Steamship
The steamship symbolizes Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini's missionary zeal and her unwavering trust in God. In order to care for more people in need, she crossed the Atlantic more than 30 times by
ship. It stands as a sign of her readiness to listen to God's call and to entrust herself completely to
his will.

Lord, source of all hope,
as we remember Saint Josephine Bakhita,
who, even amid the suffering of slavery,
came to know your love and bore witness to hope,
grant that we may uphold one another's dignity and freedom,
break the chains of hatred and violence,
and bring the light of hope to the world.

Symbol: Broken Chains
The broken chains symbolize Saint Josephine Bakhita's liberation from a life of slavery. They
also reflect her journey of faith, in which God's love enabled her to overcome hatred and suffering. Her life remains a model of true freedom born of God's love and a powerful witness of hope for our time.

Lord,
in the Eucharist you call us to yourself,
and through the life of Saint Carlo Acutis
you have revealed the immeasurable richness of your love.
Grant that we may always love you and our neighbors,
make right use of new tools,
and joyfully proclaim the Gospel in the world.

Symbol: Computer
The computer symbolizes Saint Carlo Acutis, a young saint of the digital age. With the special
gifts God gave him, he shared his love for God and for the Eucharist with countless people. His
example continues to invite all of us who live in the digital world to embrace the mission of
digital evangelization.