ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Renewed ecumenical efforts in the Korean Church, in honor of the Pauline Year

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Living the Year of Saint Paul under the sign of ecumenical communion, encouraging the participation of sister-churches, giving a fresh impulse to dialogue and promoting collaboration in all sectors, especially in charitable services: this is the spirit with which the Korean Church hopes to live the Pauline Year, inaugurated in all Korean parishes on June 28.
In the Archdiocese of Seoul, Cardinal Nicholas Cheong, the city’s Archbishop, presided a Mass in which he spoke in the spirit of the Apostle to the Gentiles, saying: “I hope that the Church in Korea may be renewed by the spirit of Saint Paul in this world that has no spirituality. I hope that the Pauline Year will not only be a celebration within the Church, but that it may become a celebration of life, truth, and hope for all sectors of society.”
In the Archdiocese of Daegu, as well, the inauguration of the Pauline Year was celebrated as an opportunity for growth and evangelization, in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Diocese’s erection in 2011.
All the Korean dioceses have contributed to the elaboration of a program of initiatives of formation and prayer, cultural encounters and deepening in their knowledge of the person and writings of Saint Paul.
All the scheduled events are characterized by a renewed ecumenical effort of the Korean Church that, in response to the indications of Pope Benedict XVI, has been working in close collaboration with the leaders of other Christian Churches and the respective communities of other beliefs present. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/07/2008)