VIDEO: St. Sebastian and Corpus Christi Churches Raise Funds to Send Pilgrims to World Youth Day in Seoul
WOODSIDE — The raffle drum spun as players rocked around the clock. At St. Sebastian and Corpus Christi churches in Woodside, Queens, a radio bingo night raised more than $15,000 to help send 38 young pilgrims to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul.
“Everyone’s looking forward to this pilgrimage, an opportunity to celebrate our faith and share faith with young people throughout the world,” said pastor, Father Patrick West.
Some have never left the country. But all are ready to walk like men and women of faith.
“It’s going to be a one in a lifetime experience to go to Korea,” Anay Ariza said.
“This is my first time going international flying, I’m very excited for it to be honest,” said Gabriel Lemos. “We’ll be praying with the other groups that go there, we’ll be touring, meeting the Pope, it will definitely be a great moment for me to remember for the rest of my life.”
Between “Love Me Do” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” the parish kept the energy high — and the fundraising higher. Never losing sight of the encounter that’s to come.
“We’re going to explore a little bit, see the sights of the Korean martyrs and learn how the faith appeared in Korea,” Eduardo Gil said.
“That encounter with God, we really want the Holy Spirit to guide them in this journey,” said Rebecca Newman-Mahoney, coordinator of faith formation at St. Sebastian Church.
With nearly a year until the nine-day trip, St. Sebastian and Corpus Christi have already raised around $25,000 of their $90,000 goal.