Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Two diocesan priests from the Archdiocese of Seoul will go as missionaries "ad gentes" to proclaim the Gospel in Guatemala and Japan. In the Eucharistic celebration held at Myeongdong Cathedral yesterday, March 21, Seoul Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick commissioned the two to represent the entire local church community in mission. The event, like the entire apostolic service, was organized and carried out by the Department of Foreign Missions of the Archdiocese of Seoul. The two priests are Fr. Henry Rok-soo Chung and Fr. Masseo Ho-bae Ki. The former will begin his missionary journey in the Archdiocese of Santiago de Guatemala, while Fr. Ki will work as a missionary in the Diocese of Sapporo (Japan). In his homily, Archbishop Chung addressed God's call to Abraham: "The Lord had said to Abraham, 'Come from your land, your people and your father's house to the land that I will show you.' You two, dear Priests, walk the humble path that Abraham once walked, also walk the path of God's love. Never forget the love and protection of our Lord, and may you become priests who pray first for the true love that the Lord has "to imprint on your hearts". Bishop Chung then placed a special wooden cross around the necks of Fr. Henry Rok-soo Chung and Fr. Masseo Ho-bae Ki. This symbolic gesture shows that they are committed to always following the path of Jesus in their lives as missionaries. “The cross,” he said, “is a tangible reminder of the sacrifices and teachings of Christ that will guide them on their journey of faith and service to others.” The decision to send the two priests abroad to local churches in urgent need of apostolic and pastoral strength reflects the Seoul Archdiocese's commitment to spreading the Gospel throughout the world. The Department of Foreign Missions has been actively involved in this task since 1989 and to date has trained and sent over 70 priests to various regions of the world. There are currently 22 priests serving in 9 countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Guatemala and Spain. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 22/3/2024)
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