Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Hundreds of less fortunate youngsters in South Korea benefit all year round from programmes run by the local community of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate. However in view of the Feast of Christmas the missionaries are making a special effort to organise extra assistance for children forced to live on the streets, school drop outs, some have been abandoned by their parents.
The OMI social programme, approved by the civil authorities in the town of Seoung Nam not far from the capital Seoul, includes a Benedict Hostel for emergency assistance, Anna House for study and starting a new life and Eugene House for professional training and reinsertion in society.
The missionaries, according to www.omiworld.org, work closely with local clergy, religious and lay volunteers. Lay Catholics in Korea are very active in Christian animation of temporal realities.
The Catholic Church in Korea is appreciated for her services in education, hospital care and social assistance. With active participation in the country’s social, political and economic life Catholic lay people play a specific role in the promotion of respect for human dignity, solidarity and service of the common good. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2006 righe 25 parole 258)
