Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Explain the Catholic doctrine to the faithful in terms of moral, social, liturgical, and pastoral formation; provide funding for catechetical activity in parishes, schools, movements, and associations; form the laity and catechists, whose delicate task it is to introduce the youth to Christ; explain the documents from the Universal Church...these are some of the main activities being carried out by the Catholic Catechetical Institute in Seoul, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of foundation.
The Institute, which is based out of the church in Hyehwadong, in Seoul, is considered a reference point for the Korean Church in the area of catechesis. This fact was witnessed to in a Mass recently celebrated by Bishop Andrei Yeom Soo-jung, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Seoul, commemorating the event, which was attended by over 500 faithful – priests, religious, and laity.
The Bishop said: “As an ecclesial institute for the formation of the laity, the Institute has always sought the truth of the Gospel and will continue working for the new evangelization in Korean society.”
The Center's Director, Father Thaddeus Lee Gi-rak, said: “As sowers of the Word of God, we have obtained an abundant harvest, through sacrifice, service, and love. And after so many years of work, I have realized that, in the end, everything depends on God.”
After the Mass, there was a Symposium entitled “Past, present, and future of the Catholic Catechetical Institute,” in which the present situation of catechesis in the Korean Church was discussed.
For 50 years now, the Institute has been working to form consciences, helping the faithful to face the challenges of society. As the Fall Assembly of the Korean Bishops' Conference affirmed, the Church will always be committed to the formation of the ecclesial community, in order to strengthen the faith of the priests, religious, and laity, placing the Word of God at the heart of the Church's life.
The Church is constantly seeking new means for evangelization and bringing the message of Christ to society, culture, etc. especially in the “areopagus” of mass media. In this sense, the formation of the laity is of singular importance. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/11/2008)
