Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The adolescents and youth of Korea have a great interest in the faith and a desire grow in their relationship with God. In spite of existing analysis and the idea of a young world that is inundated with consumerism and materialism, a study done by the Don Bosco Institute for Youth Ministry in Seoul shows that the number of adolescents that, of their own free will, attend Mass and try to live out the faith is four times greater than those who have no interest in doing so.
According to the results of the study sent to Agenzia Fides, for the majority of the 2,796 Catholic youth in the 117 parishes of the 13 Dioceses, the faith is an important part of life and other teachings and examples received from their parents are an important inheritance that is not forgotten.
91% of the youth interviewed said they attend Mass on a regular basis and with interest, and only 9% say they do so without any motivation or simply to fulfill an obligation,
In particular, 95.5% of the youth said that both their parents are Catholic and received the example of life the Lord's Day with the Mass, from them. Fr. Marcellino Baek Gwang-hyeon, Salesian and Director of the Institute says: “This fact shows an evident relationship between the faith and Christian practice of parents and children.”
42.4% of adolescents also said that they enjoy attending Mass with their parents, confirming that the primary catechists, in the everyday atmosphere of family life.
Fr. Marcellino concluded: “The study gives hope to the Church in Korea, with the desire of the youth to live the faith and it helps us to promote a youth ministry that is focused on the family and seeks family collaboration. The results show us how the life of faith in the family is so important for the success of youth ministry activities.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2009)
