by Father James Kuroly
Our diocese is already looking ahead to World Youth Day 2027, when young people from around the world will make a pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea.
But every year we are called to celebrate World Youth Day — a day to reflect on how we can walk together in faith, support our youth, and nurture their encounter with Jesus Christ.
Today, on this great solemnity of Christ the King, our Church celebrates World Youth Day (WYD). Each year, the Church offers this moment of joy, renewal, and hope to the entire people of God, especially to our young.
This year’s theme, “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31), reminds us that hope in Christ gives strength to all who follow him.
Just as Christ walked with his disciples, so too does the parish community walk with young people, encouraging them to listen to God’s call and to live their faith with courage and joy.
The theme of hope is especially important in our time.
Many young people face isolation, doubt, and the pressures of a world that often discourages faith. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses of hope, reminding young people through our words and example that God is always near, that his love is stronger than any fear, and that with Christ, all things are possible.
In other words, hope is not mere optimism; it is the deep trust that the Lord is present in every circumstance and that his love and mercy will always prevail.
In youth ministry, we often speak about helping young disciples become apostles, men and women who don’t just follow Jesus, but share him with others. World Youth Day renews that spirit in our young people. They, and all of us, are invited to deepen our relationship with Christ, to pray more faithfully, to listen to God’s will, and to live our faith with joy so that we may be the face of Christ in the world.
As we celebrate World Youth Day 2025, may we sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in the hearts of our young people.
Each of us has a role in guiding them to encounter Jesus and grow as his disciples. At the same time, let us open our hearts to encounter Christ through them, in their energy, their gifts, and the unique ways they share his love with the world.
May this World Youth Day inspire us all to walk together in hope, building a Church not only for our youth but with them; a Church alive with faith, compassion, and joy.
Father James Kuroly is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Brooklyn and the president and rector of Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst.