The story of Augustinian Youth Encounter

Augustinian Youth Encounters (AYEs) began in 1987 as an initiative by the Order of Saint Augustine to accompany young adults who found growth in life & faith through Augustinian communities around the world.

What is AYE?

A Brief History

Since the first AYE in 1987, hosted at the Augustinian Monastery of Lecceto in Tuscany, Italy, AYE has invited young adults from the Augustinian Family around the world to gather in countries such as Spain, Ireland, Germany, Australia, England, Brazil, Czech Republic and Portugal.

It is with great anticipation that we look to South Korea as the host country for Augustinian Youth Encounter 2027 (AYE27) from Sunday August 8 to Friday August 13!

AYE27 in South Korea

AYE27 will be truly international, with invitations made to Augustinian parishes, schools, universities, youth groups, and mission settings from all continents — Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Our hope is that 300-400 young people with gather in South Korea for AYE27.

International Gathering

Pope Leo XIV carries the Jubilee Cross as he walks to the altar before the start of a prayer vigil with young people gathered in Tor Vergata in Rome Aug. 2, 2025, during the Jubilee of Youth. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

“Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” — Mark 6:50

AYE 2027 THEME

What makes AYE Unique?

There are many traditions that make AYE a truly unique, Augustinian experience:

  • Augustinian hospitality as a community

  • Opportunity to grow deeper in Augustinian spirituality through prayer and learning

  • Celebration of international character of the Augustinian Family

  • Renewal of all young people’s call to serve the other by the way they express their life & faith

  • Conversationally connection with many of the Augustinian religious fathers, sisters and brothers

  • Walking in fellowship with the Prior General of the Order, Fr Joseph “Joe” Farrell

  • AYE occurs in the weeks around WYD — offering an extended pilgrimage experience for those who choose to attend both

  • AYE27 will also be marked by a special grace for the Augustinian Family: it will be the first Augustinian Youth Encounter after the election of Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian and son of Saint Augustine. This moment invites us all to accompany his mission with prayer and renewed commitment, and to invite young people in the Augustinian family to rediscover the beauty and responsibility of the Augustinian charism in the service of the Church.

So what next?

More information regarding registration, planning resources and practical arrangements will coming soon! For now, we ask you kindly to keep AYE27 in your prayers and to begin fostering your hope, joy and imagination for what this experience can mean for you!

Fraternally in Saint Augustine,

AYE Organising Committee
“Take heart, it is I; have no fear” (Mark 6:50) - AYE2027