ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Bishops’ Message for October, month dedicated to the missions: in the spirit of Saint Paul, “the urgency to proclaim the Gospel to the world, especially Asia, is renewed and made evermore present.”

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – “There is an urgent need to renew our efforts towards unity, harmony among all Christians, according to the passion, faith, and love of Saint Paul”: this is what the Evangelization Commission of the Korean Bishops’ Conference said in their Message, sent out for the month of October, the month dedicated to the missions.
The Message is signed by Bishop Paul Choi Deok-ki of Suwon, President of the Commission, and reiterates the importance of the example of the Apostle to the Gentiles, especially in this Year of Saint Paul. “Saint Paul dedicated his life to spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth, because he wanted to show that he was proud of the Lord, that he loved Him, and that he was near Him. In addition, he also hope to share with people of all the world the great many blessings he had received. Saint Paul knew that preaching the Gospel meant placing in practice the greatest love one can show their neighbor. The most important and necessary thing for him was to communicate Christ Himself and His Word in the world.”
The text also reflects on the mission of the Korean Church in Asia: “Looking into the past, we see that the Churches and the number of faithful have grown: this is a great gift and a great blessing that the Lord has given to the Church in Korea. In this manner, especially in Asia, we should ask ourselves: “Who are our poor neighbors, in need of our help? What is the Lord asking of us today? Our goods and all that the Lord gives us are not only for the salvation and happiness of the Korean people. They are divine blessings that the Church in Korea should use for the common good of the world, especially for the common good in Asia. We can reinforce the missionary spirit on a local level, by working for the foreign missions.”
In conclusion, the Message affirms: “In this Year of Saint Paul, the need to preach the Gospel in the world is renewed and made even more present. We should fill our hearts and minds with zeal for the mission, especially in Asia.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/10/2008)