(ZENIT News / Seoul, 11.18.2024).- Excitement is building for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, as the Archdiocese of Seoul has received first-class relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis, marking a historic spiritual milestone for young Catholics worldwide. Sixteen strands of hair from the beloved millennial beatified for his devotion to the Eucharist and innovative use of technology to spread the faith were presented to the archdiocese, accompanied by official certificates of authenticity.
A Saint for the Digital Age
Blessed Carlo Acutis is set to be canonized in 2025, making him the first saint born in the digital era. His upcoming sainthood adds profound significance to the WYD celebrations, offering young pilgrims in 2027 the chance to venerate relics of someone who once lived and navigated the challenges of modern life as they do today.
The Archdiocese of Seoul expressed immense joy at the arrival of the relics, referring to Blessed Carlo Acutis as the symbolic «first pilgrim» of WYD 2027. In a press statement, they emphasized his enduring message of using faith to guide modern technology and lifestyles, noting that his story has resonated deeply with young people worldwide.
A Ceremony of Faith and Youth Leadership
The handover ceremony for the relics was attended by prominent Catholic leaders in South Korea, including Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, alongside young adults actively involved in organizing WYD 2027. These young leaders underscored Carlo Acutis’s influence on their generation, seeing him as a relatable figure whose faith remains a beacon of inspiration.
A National Pilgrimage of Hope
In anticipation of Carlo Acutis’s canonization in 2025, the archdiocese announced plans to share the relics across dioceses in South Korea during the Jubilee Year. This initiative aims to make them accessible for veneration throughout the country, ensuring that the saint’s spiritual legacy reaches communities far and wide.
Renewing Faith Among Korea’s Youth
The WYD organizing committee views Carlo Acutis’s inclusion in the event as a powerful opportunity to engage young Catholics in deeper reflection on faith, service, and the Eucharist. His journey from a tech-savvy teenager to a potential saint embodies a message of hope and purpose for a generation navigating a rapidly changing world.
As preparations for WYD 2027 gain momentum, the Archdiocese of Seoul aims to channel Carlo Acutis’s legacy into a celebration that inspires young pilgrims from across the globe, fostering unity and faith that transcend borders. His relics, they hope, will serve as a powerful reminder that sanctity is achievable even in the modern age, offering young people a role model for living with purpose, integrity, and a heart devoted to God.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
