Preparing for World Youth Day 2027

Desirée Sammy, 24, will represent the Archdiocese of Port of Spain at World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, serving as its official multimedia journalist and faith communicator. Look out for updates from her via our newspaper and social media platforms @catholicnewstt

Our journey began with prayer! Our August 2 WYD session, led by the Office of Youth Ministry (OYM), set the tone for what would be a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience.

One of the first activities was an icebreaker that encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones by approaching someone we did not know and engage them in conversation by asking questions about their life and experiences. Although it was a simple activity, it helped to break down barriers and allowed us to begin forming connections.

Learning about the intensity and purpose of the journey ahead to South Korea reminded me that this experience is not a holiday or a vacation, but a pilgrimage—a spiritual journey that requires sacrifice, openness, commitment, and a willingness to grow.

I was challenged to look beyond the excitement of travelling and meeting new people and to recognise that I am embarking on a journey with a deeper spiritual purpose. Being a pilgrim means being willing to sacrifice my comfort, my expectations, and even my own plans to allow God to work within me.

We also reflected on Luke 24:17, which speaks of the disciples journeying towards Emmaus. This Scripture passage encouraged me to reflect on our journey and the people we will encounter along the way.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, our local contingent may begin this journey without fully understanding where it will lead us or what God wants to reveal to us. Yet, as we walk together, we can remain open to the ways in which God speaks to us through Scripture, through others and through the experiences we share.

I was surprised to find how quickly some of us bonded and I left with a greater appreciation for the importance of journeying together in faith. It was a particularly interesting first experience, as the ages varied, from pilgrims as young as 16 years to chaperones as old as 46 years.

As a fellow youth leader, I had the opportunity to speak with other young people, offering advice, encouragement, and hope as we prepare for the journey ahead. I was also able to serve in my capacity to capture the moments of prayer, fellowship, introductions, and interactions that helped bring us together, while also reflecting on the deeper meaning and impact of the experience.

As a faith communicator I am also reminded to remain present and attentive to what God may be doing in my own life, ensuring that while I document the journey of others, I do not miss the spiritual moments unfolding within my own.

I hope to authentically share the faith, fellowship, struggles, sacrifices, and transformative moments that shape our journey, while remembering that the stories and experiences of those I encounter are testimonies of faith that deserve to be shared with dignity and purpose. Looking forward to sharing more with you all!