Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - “A New World, A New Humanity” is the title of the Message from the Korean Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, issued on the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees which is celebrated by the Korean Church on April 27.
Bishop Vincent Ri Pyung-ho of Jeonju, President of the Commission, states that the biggest difficulties facing young immigrants in Korea is having a “dual membership”: to the land of their origin and to that in which they live. They must preserve the tradition and cultures of their homeland, yet at the same time learn and adapt to new customs: “that is why dual membership is a challenge for them.” Another problem the Bishop mentioned is the situation of the Korean students living outside the country. “Sometimes we are daunted,” the statement reads, by the reality of globalization, that tends to eradicate people from their homelands. However, every change, “should be seen as the Will of the Creator, if we see things with God’s eyes.” “All men are brothers in God’s sight, and the world is shared property of all, in which humanity is called to coexist. This is one of the most important elements of our faith. And this faith cannot remain only in our minds, but it must be accepted and practiced in our lives,” the Message says.
The Bishop concludes the statement saying, “ We can be the pioneers in building a new world that can be a little village that unites the new humanity as a family. This will come to pass if we, as believers in God the Creator as Father of all men, accept all our brothers and sisters, without cultural or racial prejudices, practicing the faith in our lives.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/4/2008; righe 22, parole 295)
