Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Fides Service) - Orionini missionary efforts towards Asia will develop in the next few years said Superior General Rev. Flavio Peloso at the end of a recent visit to South Korea and the Philippines.
The Superior of the Piccola Opera della Divina Provvidenza founded by Saint Luigi Orione went to Korea to make contacts and assess the situation in view of opening a community in that country in the near future. “We have two Korean priests in our congregation Fr. Bernardo Seo and Fr Andrea Kim and this will make it easier to open a community in another Asian country after the Philippines and India”, said Rev. Peloso. His visit to Korea was prepared by Fr . Bernardo Seo who went to 8 dioceses to speak with the bishop and visit local religious institutes including a very hospitable house of Salesians.
Rev Flavio said: “Korea has a population of 47 million, Catholics are 4.5 million or 10%. The Church in Korea is united and well organised, it is held in high esteem in society and considered a factor of civilisation, progress, social virtues (honesty, justice, family, women’s dignity). The name ‘Catholic’ is a sort of civil credit card. Vocations flourish. Catholic religious are involved in education, charity work as well as spiritual assistance”.
During his five day visit to Korea Rev. Peloso visited three bishops and a number of religious communities. Bishop Joseph Lee of Uijeongbu told the Superior: “Our diocese would welcome you because you live as religious and can be as examples of a holy life for our people and for our diocesan clergy”. He also visited the papal nuncio archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig who encouraged the Orionini to open a house in Uijeongbu “a new diocese with great needs, near the border with North Korea where it is important to show signs of charity”. The Nuncio also said a community could be formed in Mongolia, where besides evangelisation, it is necessary to teach people how to work and produce and support craftsmanship with the help of the laity. Lastly the Superior went to the Philippines where the Piccola Opera della Divina Provvidenza has been present for 15 years and where its activity continues to grow. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2005 righe 28 parole 298)
