Korean Missionary Society Celebrates 50 Years

A Mass in Seoul Cathedral marked the anniversary of the foundation of the Society established by the Korean Catholic Church in 1975 for the missio ad gentes. Today it counts 87 missionaries in 9 different countries. Pope Francis' wish: “Your zeal in proclaiming the Gospel overcomes every barrier”.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - In a vibrant display of faith and unity, the Korean Missionary Society celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Holy Mass at the Myeongdong Cathedral on February 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Presided over by Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, the Mass was a significant gathering of clergy and faithful marking the Society’s enduring mission.

Notable guests included Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung and Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, who conveyed a heartfelt message from Pope Francis. Participants from a variety of missionary organizations, including the Guadalupe Missionaries, Maryknoll, and Salesian Sisters, also attended, illustrating a shared commitment to the global mission.

The Mass commenced with a procession featuring representatives from the nine countries where the Society engages in missionary work: Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Mozambique, the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States. This procession symbolized the Society’s global footprint and dedication.

In his message, Pope Francis extended his greetings and assurance of spiritual closeness to all present for the eucharistic celebration. He asked those gathered to join him in giving thanks to Almighty God for the many graces received over the years. The Pope expressed his hope that this milestone would inspire “a renewed missionary zeal that overcomes cultural barriers and religious indifference by preaching ‘more effectively the truth of the Gospel in a specific context, without renouncing the truth’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 45).” 

The Pope conveyed confidence that the missionaries would continue to boldly proclaim the faith, ensuring it touches hearts and leads to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. He commended everyone to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and imparted his blessing as a promise of wisdom, strength, and joy in the Lord.

Established by the Korean Bishops' Conference in February 1975 with Bishop Emeritus of Busan Msgr. John A. Choi Jae-seon as a main promoter, the Korean Missionary Society currently has 87 members, including 85 missionary priests and two lay missionaries.

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