Bishops in South Korea have urged Catholics to revitalise their faith that was diminished by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to work towards ecological conversion based on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
In his New Year message, the Archbishop of Seoul, Peter Chung Soon-taek, called on Catholics to re-equip themselves “with a missionary spirit and start anew”.
“To live as a newly starting church in 2023 is to cultivate spiritual strength in the Holy Mass, the source of religious life, and to rekindle the life of faith through various devotional activities,” he said.
Archbishop Chung encouraged regular attendance at Mass and support for Holy Hours and pilgrimages to holy places.
The Bishop of Chuncheon, Simon Kim Ju-young, emphasised the need to merge the objectives of Francis's ecological encyclical and living a Christian life in his pastoral letter, “Living the Word and the seven-year journey of Laudato Sì”.
His diocese will initiate a Laudato Sì school this year “to create an environment where parishioners can more actively participate in living the Word and Laudato Sì”.
The Archdiocese of Daequ aims to create harmony “with God, with neighbours, and with creation” during the coming year. Daejeon diocese will be installing renewable energy sources across its properties to avoid fossil fuel use.
This year will also see jubilee celebrations of historical significance for the Korean Church.
The 100th anniversary of the Maryknoll Foreign Missions Society’s entry into Korea falls in 2023, as does the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Vatican.
Around 11 per cent of South Koreans are Catholic.
Meanwhile, the government has appointed a Catholic woman as its next ambassador to the Holy See. Oh Hyun-Joo was formerly deputy ambassador to the United Nations.
In Chuncheon diocese, Catholics are challenging plans to build high-rise structures around an historically significant and beautifully situated church.
Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sokcho City was built during the Korean War and offers panoramic views.
“We have put up banners all over the church, collecting signatures, and offering daily prayers,” said the parish priest.
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