Let’s meet our WYD 2027 “Lineup”

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco

After a prayerful and thoughtful process, the organizers of the forthcoming World Youth Day Seoul 2027 have introduced a “lineup” of saints who will serve as our models and guides.

In K-pop, each member of a group is given a role — a unique position that reflects their strengths and identity. In the same way, let’s imagine the “positions” of these five saints as we come to know their lives and their mission in our Catholic Church.

1. Saint John Paul II is our Leader. Born in Poland, Pope John Paul II served the Church as pope for 26 years, 5 months, and 17 days, making it the third-longest papacy in Catholic history. During his pontificate, he proclaimed God’s love across the world through pastoral visits to more than a hundred countries, bringing the message of Christ to people of different cultures and backgrounds.

   
   

   He also played a significant role in the life of the Church through the canonization of numerous saints. Most notably, he founded World Youth Day, now the world’s largest gathering of Catholics, where faith is celebrated through prayer, catechesis, and cultural encounter. Indeed, Saint John Paul II stands as a great leader of the Church — one who continually called the youth to “be not afraid!”

2. Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is our Main Vocalist. His martyrdom stands as one of the greatest testimonies of his Catholic faith — an unwavering expression of love for Jesus Christ.

   
   

   He was the first native Korean priest and the son of Christian converts. After being ordained in Shanghai, he was assigned to help arrange the safe entry of missionaries into Joseon (Korea) while evading border patrol during a time of persecution. Eventually, he was captured, tortured, and beheaded near the Han River outside Seoul.

   
   

   His blood became the seed of the Catholic Church in South Korea. His death, along with that of his companions, continued to “echo” across the Korean peninsula and helped nurture the faith of the faithful.

3. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is the Main Dancer. Born Italian, Frances Xavier Cabrini lived her mission across the Atlantic Ocean — in the Americas and Europe. Her enduring love for God allowed her to gracefully fulfill her mission in spite of seeming adversities in life.

   
   

   At an early age, she already wanted to enter the religious life, but her fragile health would not permit her. She was refused entry to different religious communities. But eventually, with zeal and passion, she founded institutions including orphanages, schools, hospitals, and convents in the United States, South America, and Europe. She was declared a saint, the first naturalized U.S. saint. Her missionary journey reflects a life “in motion,” serving others with love, resilience, and trust in God. She's honored as patron saint of immigrants.

4. Saint Josephine Bakhita is our “Witness of Hope,” our Visual. Kidnapped at a very young age and resold into slavery many times, Josephine Bakhita’s strength is a powerful representation of trust in God.

   
   

   While enslaved, Josephine was physically abused, including mutilation. She suffered brutal torture under the orders of her owners. Her body may have experienced great physical violence, but her spirit remained untouched. She was eventually freed from slavery and later entered religious life, proving that a life offered to Jesus radiates healing and forgiveness.

5. Saint Carlo Acutis is our Millennial saint, making him our Maknae, the youngest. Born in the digital age, Carlo is called “God’s influencer” and “the Patron of the Internet.”

   
   

   Diagnosed with leukemia at an early age, he was not discouraged from bringing the Good News to others. He used the gift of modern technology and his computer skills to proclaim the mystery of the Holy Eucharist through digital media, spreading the faith. His saintly life proves that anyone can become a saint, even in this digital world. He died at the age of 15. 

As we await and prepare for WYD Seoul 2027, may these saints inspire us to see our role in God’s plan and to take courage in responding with faith and love.

See you in Seoul!