WYD cross lands in Bangladesh on its way to Seoul 2027

The symbol of World Youth Day, commissioned by Wojtyla in 1984, has travelled through Bangladesh. It was consigned to the Koreans last November in the Vatican, together with a copy of the Salus Populi Romani icon. Welcomed with fervour by thousands of faithful, it made a stop in the dioceses of Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Dhaka. The joy of the local Catholic community: ‘It rekindles the commitment to follow Christ’. From 8 April it will be in Japan.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The global pilgrimage to Seoul of the World Youth Day Cross, a symbol since 1984, began at the Vatican last November, with the Portuguese handing over the symbols. Now, on its stop in Bangladesh, thousands of Catholics, including young people, the disabled and members of the clergy, have emotionally venerated the artefact commissioned by Pope Wojtyla, on its way to the 2027 event in South Korea, with the theme ‘Be courageous: I have conquered the world!’ (cf. Jn 16:33).

Since its arrival in Bangladesh on 27 March, the wooden crucifix – accompanied by a copy of the Salus Populi Romani icon kept in Rome – has travelled through the dioceses of Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Dhaka, sparking deep spiritual reflection among the faithful. Its presence is marked by prayer vigils, hymns and participatory meetings. This series of extraordinary events will end on 8 April, before the pilgrimage continues on to Japan.

For Dip Costa, 17, from Tejgaon Parish in Dhaka, touching the cross was ‘transformative’. ‘I felt a strong emotion, a connection with the sacrifice of Christ. His pain and love became real to me,’ he shared, echoing the sentiments of countless young people who lined up to pray before the sacred symbol.

Koushik Corraya, another young man, kissed the cross in Tejgaon church on 4 April, reflecting on its meaning. ‘This cross is our cross. Christ carried our sins there; handing over my weaknesses to it renews my resolve to live faithfully,’ he confided to AsiaNews.

The universal message of the cross also resonated strongly in marginalised communities. A mother of a child with disabilities, who asked to remain anonymous, described her tearful prayer: ‘I prayed to Jesus to give me the strength to carry my cross, to endure the struggles and to love unconditionally. Touching it gave me hope’.

Father Bikash Rebeiro, secretary of the Youth Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB), said: “This cross is not just wood, it is a living reminder of the love of Christ. I have seen hearts transformed through prayer”.

Monsignor Gervas Rozario, vice-president of the CBCB and bishop of Rajshahi, emphasised the role of the cross in inspiring local young people. ‘We are fortunate to host this global symbol. Its journey here in view of 2027 rekindles our commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ’, he declared during a welcoming ceremony.

After attracting thousands of devotees in Rajshahi and Dinajpur, the cross arrived in Dhaka on 3 April, where overnight vigils and masses enhanced its stay. The organisers emphasised its inclusive nature, with wheelchair-accessible venues ensuring the participation of disabled and sick worshippers. As the cross sets off again for Japan, the Catholics of Bangladesh carry forward its legacy of renewal. For many, its brief visit was a catalyst for deeper faith, and a testimony of unity.

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