ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - First Korean born Oblate Missionary of Mary Immaculate priest

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - The mission in Korea of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate OMI is making progress. In February this year Anselmo Ryu Hi Gu, first Korean born OMI, made his perpetual vows. Now, after completing his studies in theology, Anselmo has been ordained a priest to the joy of the Oblate community in Korea and the entire Catholic community. The Ordination Mass was presided by Bishop Paul Choi Deok-ki, of the diocese of Suwon, in a cathedral packed to capacity with clergy, religious and laity, in the presence of Fr. Jude Peirispulle OMI, responsible for the Japan-Korea Oblate Province.
We see from www.omiworld.org, that in his homily, the Bishop congratulated the first OMI born in Korea the 'land of the martyrs' and said the Oblate community would strive to make an ever greater contribution in quality and quantity for the evangelisation of Korea. The Bishop recalled that the Word of God must be the centre of the Church's mission and that lay people especially young people must play a leading part in the Church's missionary activity. Missionary work - he said -is not only for priests and religious, it is the duty of all the people of God. Jesus Christ is the example of mission for every Christian. The communion of love of God in the Trinity is the source of energy for mission, and mercy and love of God incarnate in Jesus Christ are its foundation. The Bishop asked parishes, dioceses, associations and religious communities to organise evangelisation initiatives at all levels. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/11/2007 righe 25 parole 258)