Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo has called on Filipino youth to embrace faith, courage, and community as the World Youth Day (WYD) symbols arrive in the Philippines ahead of the 2027 global gathering in Seoul.
In a pastoral message, the prelate welcomed the Pilgrim Cross and the Venerated Icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani, into the Diocese of Antipolo, describing the event as “a blessing upon our local Church” and “a profound reminder of the global unity we share as one Catholic family.”
“These cherished WYD symbols—having journeyed across nations, hearts, and generations—bring with them the spirit of pilgrimage and the fire of faith,” Bishop Santos said.
“They come to us as heralds of encounter, mission, and courage, carrying the heartbeat of millions of young people from every corner of the world who seek deeper communion with Christ and His Church,” he added.
The diocese hosted a prayer gathering to mark the symbols’ passage through the National Capital Region, in the presence of delegates from South Korea.
The bishop said the visit “strengthened all the more by the presence of our Korean brothers and sisters,” inspires Filipinos to “journey together toward 2027,” the next WYD.
Quoting the theme of the upcoming celebration, he said, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Bishop Santos expressed hope that the pilgrimage would “ignite the hearts of our youth, awaken new vocations, heal weary souls, and renew our mission to be true disciples of Christ in today’s world.”
He also entrusted the young people of the Philippines and the wider Church to the protection and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“To our Blessed Mother, Salus Populi Romani, we entrust the youth of our nation and the universal Church. May she guide us, protect us, and bring us always closer to her Son,” he said.
The bishop invited faithful, “especially our young people,” to participate in the events surrounding the WYD symbols’ visit. “Let us walk together in faith, hope, and courage toward the light of Christ,” he said.
