Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholics and Buddhists of Korea are living the month of May with great intensity. It is the month of the Feast of Vesakh for the Buddhists and the month of Mary for the Catholics. Thus, it is a month full of celebrations that are lived with great intensity and as a sign of friendship and the establishment of an improved society. Between the two communities, there are also important signs of dialogue taking place. The President of the Commission for the promotion for Christian unity and interreligious dialogue, Bishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, Auxiliary Bishop of Kwangju, visited the Buddhist temple of Seungju-eup, in southeastern Korea on May 8, on the occasion of the Feast of Vesakh, on May 12. The occasion will also be an opportunity for the presentation of the Message that the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue addressed to the Buddhists on this occasion of the Feast of Vesakh.
Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk, Archbishop of Seoul, has sent a Message to Korean Buddhists of Jogye, in which he conveys his best wishes on behalf of Catholics to the Buddhists for this important occasion for them. He also expressed his hopes that the Catholics and Buddhists can continue to build a society based on love and friendship, respecting their differences.
The month of May is important not only for Korea’s Buddhists, but also for its Catholics. It is the month that the Koreans dedicate to Our Lady and to the family. On this occasion, Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul, expressed his hope that the faith can promote respect for the dignity of the woman, especially within the unique vocation in the family, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Bishop also asked that all make a material contribution to helping the poor in Korea. He also recalled the Apostolic Letter “Mulieris dignitatem” of Pope John Paul II on the dignity and vocation of women, written on the occasion of the Marian Year 1988. According to Bishop Yeom Soo-jung, “Mary’s life is the most prolific example of the dignity of the woman and her rights,” as it is a dignity that is called to share in the Mystery of God. (PR) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2008; righe 28, parole 369)
