Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and Jesuit High School of New Orleans for a life-changing experience on pilgrimage. Experience the global Church firsthand by immersing yourself in the Jesuit heritage of Japan in addition to unique and vibrant story of Catholicism in Korea. From remarkable saints, bustling markets, and moving shrines to Mass with the Pope and sleeping under the stars, join millions of Catholic young people in this worldwide encounter and celebration. You’ll never experience God, the Church, or your faith the same way again.

What’s Included?

  • Verso pilgrimage director
  • Accommodations in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms (including taxes)
  • Local Japanese guide on each bus from Days 2-7
  • Local Korean guide from Days 7-15
  • Breakfast daily at lodging, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, and WYD meal vouchers
  • Registration with WYD Committee, including access to events, public transportation pass, & WYD pilgrim kit
  • Access to Verso WYD spiritual & logistical preparation and follow-up resources
  • Fundraising resources
  • Transpacific airfare from the U.S. to Japan and Korea to the U.S. (if group flight package is selected)
  • Airport transfers in Japan and Korea (if group flight package is selected)
  • Transportation on a prive motorcoach while in Japan for Days 3-6
  • Verso Pilgrim Kit, including a pilgrimage booklet

Itinerary

July 27, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey
July 28, 2027
  • Arrive at Nagasaki Airport and transfer to your hotel to check in
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the airport to the hotel
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to meet the group at the hotel
  • Time permitting, Mass in the hotel and dinner
  • Overnight in Nagasaki

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Dinner

July 29, 2027
  • Start the pilgrimage by uncovering the story of the Hidden Christians in Nagasaki, the center for Christianity in the early days of the Japanese Church, established by St. Francis Xavier and other Jesuit missionaries
  • Visit the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument, built on the site of where St. Paul Miki, S.J. and his companions were crucified on Nishizaka Hill
  • Group lunch in a local restaurant
  • Celebrate Mass at Oura Cathedral, previously called the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan and the oldest church in Japan, where St. Paul Miki and his companions – including his fellow Jesuits, John Soan de Goto and James Kisai – are buried
  • Free evening and dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Nagasaki

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

July 30, 2027
  • Day trip to Hirado, St. Francis Xavier’s most impactful mission site, and where Hidden Christians lived for centuries
  • Visit and Mass at St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, built in honor of the saint’s impact in this port town
  • Free time for lunch in Hirado
  • Following a visit to the monument honoring Italian Jesuit martyr, St. Camillus Costanzo, stop at Tabira Church to learn about the Church’s resurgence following the lift on the ban of Christianity
  • Group dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Nagasaki

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

July 31, 2027
  • Morning Mass at Urakami Cathedral, rebuilt following its collapse in the bombing of Nagasaki
  • Visit the Nagasaki Bomb Museum, followed by time to pray and reflect in the Peace Park, which marks the spot where the bomb exploded
  • Group lunch in a local restaurant
  • After lunch, visit the Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum to learn about this notable Catholic physician who survived Nagasaki’s bombing, who became known throughout Japan for his prayer and service
  • Conclude the day by visiting the Hongouchi Monastery, founded by St. Maximillian Kolbe during his time in Japan, with its replica of the Grotto at Lourdes
  • Free evening and dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Nagasaki

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

August 1, 2027
  • In the morning, drive to Yamaguchi
  • Mass and visit at St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church and museum, commemorating the saint’s work in the area, where he preached in an old Buddhist monastery
  • Group dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Yamaguchi

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 2, 2027
  • Transfer to Fukuoka airport and fly to Seoul
    • This flight will be included in the package for all pilgrims
  • Transfer to the hotel and check in
  • Celebrate Mass with your group and enjoy dinner together
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 3, 2027
  • Free morning to explore Seoul using Verso’s WYD resources
  • Visit churches and shrines along one of the city’s walking pilgrimage routes and orient yourself to the city’s charming neighborhoods and vibrant culture
  • World Youth Day officially begins with an opening Mass for all pilgrims, celebrated by the Archbishop of Seoul
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 4, 2027
  • Morning Catechesis sessions with pilgrims and bishops from around the world, including prayer, discussion, and Mass
  • Attend Youth Festival events in the afternoon, ranging from concerts and speakers to Reconciliation and fellowship
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 5, 2027
  • Catechesis sessions with fellow pilgrims
  • Welcome the Holy Father to Seoul with a special celebration and prayer service
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 6, 2027
  • Final catechetical session in the morning with the bishops
  • Then, the Youth Festival continues, with opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or check out the Vocations Fair
  • In the evening, rejoin the Pope as all the pilgrims pray together the Stations of the Cross, led by the Holy Father himself
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 7, 2027
  • Begin with a pilgrimage to the Vigil site, typically a 12-15 mile walk
  • After finding designated area, settle in and enjoy different entertainment, shows, music, and prayer opportunities
  • In the evening, join the Pope and fellow pilgrims for a Vigil prayer service
  • That night, sleep under the stars and prepare for the Closing Mass
  • Overnight at Vigil site

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (*Meals at Vigil site)

August 8, 2027
  • The morning begins early with closing activities, including music, speakers and prayers, followed by the closing Papal Mass with the Holy Father
  • At the end of Mass, the next host diocese for World Youth Day is announced
  • Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax after a long day
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (*meals at Vigil site)

August 9, 2027
  • Free day to explore Seoul
  • Choose your own adventure! Ascend Namsam Tower; pray at striking shrines and beautiful churches such as Dangoggae or Seosomun; explore Gwangjang Market and Bukchon Hanok Village, or visit one of the five traditional palaces throughout the city (all activities on your own)
  • Farewell dinner as a group in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to the airport and depart Seoul on your journey home
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the hotel to the airport
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Simple Accommodations

  • All accommodations are in centrally-located hotels, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and easy access to event sites and public transportation.
  • Exact hotel assignments will be announced in the Spring of 2027.

Pricing

Package Cost
$7,385

Pricing listed per person in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms and includes airfare.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Final pricing may adjust based on actual costs for WYD registration fees, airfare, and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates. Please see the Payment Schedule dropdown in the “More Details” section below for additional information regarding pricing.

Led by

Polce-Fr.-John_Dallas-Jesuit_Group-Leader_Chaplain_WYD-2027-scaled.jpg
Fr. Jon Polce, S.J.
Vice President of Mission and Identity, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Fr. Polce currently works as the VP for Mission and Identity at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. He has a passion for Scripture, God, cooking, sports and travel. One of his passions at Jesuit Dallas is Sports Chaplaincy, where he is the chaplain for the Football and Baseball teams respectively. Fr. Polce loves World Youth Day and leading pilgrimages to spiritually enriching places. His love for this began in high school when he attended WYD Toronto in 2002 and saw JPII. As a group leader, has led groups to WYD Lisbon (2023) and also multiple pilgrimages to Spain to walk in the footsteps of St. Ignatius.
Rodger Bacon
Director of Evangelization, Jesuit High School of New Orleans
Roger Bacon is a 2010 graduate of Jesuit High School. After graduation, he received a Bachelor’s in Theology from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Theological Studies from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He is a teacher and Director of Evangelization at Jesuit, where this will be his fourth pilgrimage to World Youth Day (Madrid 2011, Rio de Janeiro 2013, Lisbon 2023).

Flights

Your group has included a flight in the pilgrimage package. More details about flight information and your exact itinerary will be available no later than Spring 2027.

All pilgrims who opt in to the optional group flight will have their airfare arranged by Verso Ministries. More details about flight information and your exact itinerary will be available no later than Spring 2027.

More Details

  • Gratuities for guide(s) and pilgrimage director
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

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:

  1. Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
  2. September 30, 2026 – 25% of package
  3. December 31, 2026 – 25% of package
  4. February 28, 2027 – 25% of package
  5. March 31, 2027 – Final balance

Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $2,000 per person for airfare and $250 for WYD registration fees. Prices are based on the current (as of summer 2025) 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.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees will be charged per person, per booking, and apply to individual pilgrims.

If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety on or before June 30, 2026, Verso Ministries retains the group deposit and will refund pilgrims any money paid. If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety after September 30, 2026, then the group deposit is retained, and the following cancellation fee schedule will apply for all individual payments. Individual cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • After deposit: Deposit is retained ($500 per person)
  • July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027: 75% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • April 1, 2027 or after: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, World Youth Day registration, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 180 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

Groups of 40 or more will have a dedicated Verso Ministries Pilgrimage Director and local Korean guide. Groups smaller than 40 will share their Pilgrimage Director and local guide with other groups.

If you have any questions about pilgrimage details, please do not hesitate to contact us at wyd@versoministries.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I purchase travel protection?

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.  According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.
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How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
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What is the latest I can register?

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance – register now and begin your journey!
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Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

13 Books for Your Ultimate World Youth Day Reading List

5 Must Visit Catholic Sites in South Korea

Two pilgrims looking out atop a mountain as a metaphor for becoming the best versions of themselves.

Becoming the Best Version of Yourself Through Pilgrimage

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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