The Seoul WYD Organizing Committee held the opening ceremony for the ‘Barbed Wire Cross Project’ in the courtyard of Myeong-dong Cathedral on April 12, marking the start of the journey to create a large barbed wire cross standing approximately 5 meters tall. The production of the barbed-wire cross is a spiritual project involving the faithful, jointly prepared by the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee and the foundation “Walking Together.”
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Seoul, chairman of the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee. He blessed the tools—hammers, anvils, and pliers—and prayed that the hands of all participants in the project would become instruments of peace.
In his homily, Archbishop Jung reflected on the significance of the barbed wire, explaining, “This barbed wire embodies the pain of confrontation, conflict, and violence that arose when the South and North—having endured the tragedy of fratricidal war during the Korean War—erected it to guard against one another and prevent the other’s approach or intrusion.”
He continued, “Just as the cross, which was an instrument of execution in Israel, became a symbol of peace, reconciliation, sacrifice, and love through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” adding, “I pray that this barbed-wire cross will take root in our hearts as we prepare for the Seoul WYD as a symbol of unity, peace, and love between North and South.”
