This past Sunday, October 5th, I had the profound joy of visiting the Korean Mission in the Archdiocese of Montreal, accompanied by several young people from Mission Jeunesse, including members of our MJ Service Team. The occasion was Korean Thanksgiving, a celebration that took on special significance this year as groups prepare for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027.

The Beauty of Universal Communion

As we entered the church, we were warmly welcomed by the entire community and their priest, who graciously opened their doors to facilitate cultural exchange and celebrate the richness of Korean Catholic culture. Throughout the Mass, I didn't understand a single word—everything was in Korean. Yet remarkably, I recognized everything. The structure, the rhythms, the gestures—all were familiar. This is the profound beauty of the universality of our Catholic liturgy. Though the language was different, we were united in the same prayers, the same Eucharist, the same faith. I felt deeply in communion with our Korean brothers and sisters, reminded once again that the Church truly transcends all boundaries.

The music was absolutely beautiful, filling the sacred space with melodies and harmonies that spoke directly to the heart, even without translation. It was a powerful reminder that worship and praise can touch us in ways that go beyond words.

Hospitality and Exchange

Following Mass, the community invited us to share in a potluck lunch—a gesture of hospitality that embodied the very heart of Christian fellowship. We sat with the young people, sharing stories and laughter as we tried delicious new foods that were lovingly prepared. It was more than a meal; it was a time to share, to exchange, and to truly get to know one another.

These moments of encounter are precious. In breaking bread together, in sharing our cultures and traditions, we discover that we are not strangers but family. The young people on both sides engaged with genuine curiosity and openness, asking questions, sharing experiences, and building bridges that will surely strengthen as we journey together toward WYD 2027.

Looking Ahead to WYD SEOUL 2027

As groups within our archdiocese begin preparing for World Youth Day in Seoul, this visit felt particularly meaningful. It was a beautiful first step in a journey of mutual discovery and preparation. The young people preparing to travel to Korea in 2027 were able to experience a taste of Korean Catholic culture right here in Montreal, while our Korean brothers and sisters shared their traditions with generosity and joy.

This exchange reminds us that World Youth Day is not just about the destination—it's about the journey of encounter that begins long before we board the plane. It's about opening our hearts to different expressions of our shared faith, about learning from one another, and about recognizing the diverse beauty of the universal Church.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

I left the Korean Mission with a heart full of gratitude—for the warm welcome, for the beauty of the celebration, for the gift of cultural exchange, and for the reminder that our Church is truly catholic, truly universal. To the Korean Catholic community in Montreal: thank you for your hospitality, for sharing your traditions, and for helping us prepare not just for a pilgrimage to your homeland, but for a deeper appreciation of the richness that diversity brings to our one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

As we continue our preparations for WYD 2027, may we carry forward the spirit of openness, exchange, and joyful encounter that we experienced on this blessed Korean Thanksgiving day.

Isabel Correa
Director - Mission Jeunesse (Youth Ministry)
Archdiocese of Montreal

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