Paulist Young Adult Pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027
Join the Paulist Fathers and fellow young adults for a pilgrimage to deepen your faith, discover where God is calling you, and encounter the global Church.
In partnership with Verso Ministries, our tour coordinator, providing pilgrimage logistics and on-the-ground support in Seoul.
Registration opens Friday, October 16, 2026
9 AM PT / 11 AM CT / 12 PM ET
*The initial Paulist form is an expression of interest, not a commitment to travel.
Walk toward something greater.
Experience the Church’s global diversity and universality in Seoul, home to a vibrant and growing Catholic Church with a unique history of lay leadership, faith, and martyrdom. We’ll make this journey together as a Paulist family.
What to expect in Seoul.
Our planned itinerary brings together World Youth Day events, a walking pilgrimage, and time to explore Seoul.
Arrive and begin together.
Depart the U.S. on August 1 and arrive in Seoul on August 2. Pilgrims book flights independently, travel separately, and meet at the hotel. August 3 includes a free morning and the Opening Mass.
Pray with the worldwide Church.
Catechetical sessions, the papal welcome, Stations of the Cross, and Youth Festival events lead into the walking pilgrimage, Vigil Prayer Service, and Closing Mass.
Discover the city.
Enjoy a free day in Seoul on August 9: explore walking pilgrimage routes, climb Namsan Tower, visit a traditional palace, or discover markets and neighborhoods. Depart Korea on August 10.
Optional extensions presented in the information session: July 29–August 2, visits to Korean Martyrs’ Shrines; August 10–13, a visit to Nagasaki, Japan. Contact the team for extension details.
Meet your pilgrimage chaplains.
Fr. Dan Macalinao, CSP
Chicago, IllinoisOriginally from Manila in the Philippines, Fr. Dan serves Chicago’s Old St. Mary’s as associate pastor and is a member of the Paulist General Council. He looks forward to experiencing World Youth Day in Asia for the first time as a priest.
Fr. Chris Lawton, CSP
New York, New YorkFr. Chris serves as associate pastor at St. Paul the Apostle in New York, accompanying its Apostolist young adults and Hispanic community as chaplain. He supports Paulist vocations through social media and enjoys visits with his niece and nephew in Brooklyn. He’s excited to accompany this pilgrimage.
Dr. David de la Fuente
Theologian & ministerDave helps lead Ignatian Young Adult Ministries for the Jesuits’ USA East Province and serves St. Paul the Apostle as pastoral associate and OCIA director. His ministry spans retreats, spiritual direction, education, and podcasting. He studies the Holy Spirit, spirituality, the Church, and racial justice. Married to Adrienne, he hopes to return to WYD after Sydney in 2008.
Meet Verso Ministries.
Verso Ministries is a Catholic pilgrimage company that brings together travel expertise and ministry, helping pilgrims encounter Christ through the places they visit and the people they meet.
We’re partnering with Verso so our Paulist community can focus on prayer, discernment, and growing together, with an experienced team coordinating the details of our journey.
Verso brings experience from past World Youth Days and has already led a pilgrimage in South Korea, including visits to its shrines and encounters with the story of the Korean Church.
One pilgrimage.
Two simple steps.
Begin with the Paulist registration form. We’ll get to know you, talk through your hopes and needs, and help you take the next step.
Priority is based on when you submit your Paulist form and your responsiveness as we work through financial or logistical questions. If the first 20 spots fill, we’ll establish a wait list and plan to open more spaces as soon as possible.
Tell us about yourself.
Share your background, hopes for the pilgrimage, and any financial assistance or logistical support you may need. We’ll review your form and follow up.
This first form does not commit you to travel.
Complete the Paulist form ↗Opens October 16 at 9 AM PT / 11 AM CT / 12 PM ET.
Confirm your place.
After we review your Paulist form, we’ll send you a separate link to Verso Ministries, our tour coordinator, to complete their registration and pay your non-refundable $500 deposit per person.
Your spot is secured after both forms are complete and your Verso deposit is paid.
Let’s make it possible.
Estimated total pilgrimage cost
Including the ground package, round-trip airfare, and incidentals and personal expenses. These are estimates for planning.
Paulist-discounted rate for our first 20 pilgrims$2,995
Booked and paid for individually$1,500–$2,000
After the first 20 sign-ups: the ground-package rate is $3,245. The $2,995 rate reflects a discount provided by the Paulist Fathers.
Payment schedule
Secure your space with a non-refundable $500 deposit per person when you register with Verso Ministries. All final balances are due by March 31, 2027.
- At registration$500/personNon-refundable deposit
- December 31, 202633% of package
- February 28, 202733% of package
- March 31, 2027Final balance
Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $250 for WYD registration fees and is based on an exchange rate of $1.00 USD to ₩1,370.00 KRW. Drastic fluctuations in exchange rates, airline taxes and fees (as applicable), or WYD registration fees could affect final pricing. Any changes will be communicated before the final payment deadline. Airfare is booked independently by each pilgrim.
Help make this pilgrimage possible!
Your gift helps young adults who might otherwise be unable to participate join our Paulist pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul. Support their journey of faith, prayer, and community with the worldwide Church.
All dollars raised count toward the Annual Paulist Appeal.
FAQs:
What does the ground package include?
The information session lists all activities, WYD registration and packet pickup, a Verso pilgrimage director and local Korean guide, centrally located hotels, most meals, a Verso pilgrim kit and pre-departure resources, and a fundraising kit. Meals include welcome and farewell dinners, breakfast daily at accommodations, and WYD meal vouchers.
What are the accommodations and transportation like?
Accommodations are in double-, triple-, or quad-occupancy rooms, with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and easy access to event sites and public transit. No one will need to share a bed; single rooms are available for an extra charge. Seoul has extensive subway, bus, and train networks. Be prepared to walk and stay flexible.
What is the deposit and payment schedule?
In order to secure your space, Verso Ministries requires a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. All final balances are due by March 31, 2027. Here is your group’s payment plan:
- Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
- December 31, 2026 – 33% of package
- February 28, 2027 – 33% of package
- March 31, 2027 – Final balance
Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $250 for WYD registration fees. Prices are based on the current exchange rate of $1.00 USD to ₩1,370.00 KRW. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates, airline taxes and fees (as applicable), or World Youth Day registration fees could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. Any changes in final pricing will be communicated before the final payment deadline.
Airfare is booked independently by each pilgrim.
Does the Paulist form commit me to the trip?
No. It helps us learn about you, your hopes, and any financial or logistical considerations before you confirm your place through Verso Ministries.
What if I need help paying for the pilgrimage?
Please indicate your needs on the Paulist form. We’ll follow up to discuss financial planning and scholarship possibilities. Scholarship funds apply to the ground package and are paid directly to Verso; airfare remains each pilgrim’s responsibility.
How are the initial 20 places allocated?
Priority is based on when you submit your Paulist registration form and your responsiveness as we work through financial or logistical questions. Your place is secured once both forms are complete and your Verso deposit is paid. If those spots fill, we’ll establish a wait list and plan to add spaces as soon as possible.
Do I need to attend a live information session?
You can watch the information-session recording and view the session slides to learn about the pilgrimage. For additional questions, email [email protected].
Who is organizing the Paulist pilgrimage?
Our pilgrimage team includes Fr. Dan Macalinao, CSP, Fr. Chris Lawton, CSP, and Dr. Dave de la Fuente, in partnership with Verso Ministries. Questions about joining or making the trip possible? Email [email protected].