The organizing committee of the World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 held a Lenten prayer vigil on March 28 at Myeongdong Cathedral, drawing hundreds of young Catholics into an evening of reflection, confession, and spiritual renewal.
The event, titled “24 Hours for the Lord,” was held in response to Pope Francis’ invitation to mark the Jubilee Year 2025 through acts of mercy, particularly the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
From 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the cathedral and its surrounding area became a space of prayer and silence as youth from across the Archdiocese of Seoul participated in the three-part liturgical program.
“Tonight, we respond to the Pope’s invitation as pilgrims of hope, seeking God’s mercy and preparing the way for World Youth Day 2027,” said Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee during the opening segment of the vigil.
Referring to the evening’s theme from Psalm 71—“You are my hope, Lord; my trust, God, from my youth”—he encouraged the participants to “entrust themselves to the Lord anew, especially through the grace of the sacraments.”
The vigil began with a period of silent reflection inside the cathedral, where participants engaged with meditative readings and prayers, setting the tone for personal introspection.
Soft lighting and quiet surroundings created a contemplative atmosphere for those preparing to enter into the Lenten season more deeply.
As night fell, the second part of the evening opened with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Twenty-five confessionals were made available across the cathedral grounds, including traditional booths, face-to-face encounters, and opportunities for confessions while walking with a priest.
Many took part in the sacrament, encountering what organizers described as a personal experience of God’s mercy.
In the final portion of the program, participants inserted toothpicks into a crown of thorns as a symbolic gesture of repentance—each representing wounds caused by sin.
The act served as a visual expression of contrition and a desire for renewal. The evening concluded with Eucharistic adoration and a final blessing, with attendees gathered in silent prayer within the cathedral.
“24 Hours for the Lord” has been observed annually since 2014. This year’s observance was one of renewed participation by the youth of Seoul, following limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers said the event was both a response to the pope’s call and a significant step toward WYD 2027, which will be hosted by the South Korean capital.
The WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee said the vigil was an invitation for young people to reconcile with God, with themselves, and with those who have yet to encounter Christ.
