CBCK News
2009-08-25 14:12
2009-08-25 14:12
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Communication on December 3
* Message Issued for Human Rights Sunday

On the occasion of the 23rd Human Rights Sunday on December 5, 2004, the Most Rev. Boniface Choi Ki-san, Bishop of Incheon and President of the CBCK Committee for Justice and Peace, issued a message and invited the faithful to make efforts for protection and enhancement of human rights, by respecting human dignity, promoting the common good and practicing love for neighbors.

In the message titled "The Culture of Love and Respect for Human Dignity," Bishop Choi emphasized, "The commitment to the cause of human rights and peace is the duty that God has given to us Christians."

For this, he made some practical suggestions: to pay attention to the common good and rational dialogue based on respect and love for those of different opinions; to protect life from every abuse or harm; to be concerned about the human rights violation committed by public power; to take care of the poor and marginalized; to expand our concern over the human rights to those in North Korea and other Asian countries.

Citing the Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father John Paul II for The Year of the Eucharist Mane Nobiscum Domine, Bishop Choi said, "The Eucharist gives the impulse to the community for a practical commitment to building a more just and fraternal society"(n.28) and urged the faithful to console the victims of human rights violation and to proclaim and practice divine justice.

* Bishop of Andong Makes Public a Special Letter on Ministry of Farmers

The Most Rev. John Chrysostom Kwon Hyok-ju, Bishop of Andong, issued a special letter on pastoral ministry of farmers at diocesan thanksgiving Mass held on November 28, 2004. The message title is "Let's Share the Joy and the Sorrow of Farmers!"

"I will be more devoted to needy farmers to give them hope and joy of Jesus," he promised. For this sake, he revealed a plan to set up a committee or task force and appoint a priest in exclusive charge of the ministry of farmers in the diocese.

He also said, "To enliven farming villages and farmers is the way to follow the will of God who is the 'vine grower' and to share the work of Jesus who was devoted to nurturing life."

Prior to the Mass, there was also a symposium where researchers, clergy and the laity discussed the situation of the Diocese, characterized by agricultural area, with a research report published by the Woori Theological Institute.

* Public Hearing on the New Translation of the Bible

The CBCK Biblical Committee held a public hearing on the New Translation of the Bible on November 23, 2004 to collect various opinions before it is approved and published next year. Some 100 people participated in the hearing, including the Most Rev. John Chrysostom Kwon Hyok-ju, President of the Biblical Committee, priests, religious and the laity.

Prof. Sim Jae-gi, an expert in Korean language, expressed his opinion after reading through the New Translation of the Bible, "I could see that this translation tried to be faithful to the original text and to Korean wording as well." But he pointed out that some Korean expressions need further examination or revision.

In fact, a survey conducted from September 16 to November 10 in seminaries, religious institutes and Bible meetings in dioceses showed that more than 80% of the respondents were favorable for using this Translation as the official Bible in the Catholic Church in Korea. Regarding some book titles changed in this translation, 73% agreed.

Meantime, at the hearing, some controversial issues emerged, for example, about using "the Lord" instead of "Yahweh," and about transliteration of some Hebrew proper nouns into Korean.

Integrating various opinions presented at the hearing and in the survey result, the Biblical Committee will complete its seventeen years of toil in next spring and request the episcopal conference to approve its use as the official edition of the Bible in the Catholic Church in Korea.

* "To Help North Korean Escapees Settle in Society Can Be the Seed for the Evangelization of North Korea" - Seminar Participants Emphasize

The CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People arranged the 7th Catholic Network for the Reconciliation of Korean People from November 25 to 26, 2004 with the theme "The Role and Challenges of the Church for the Settlement of North Korean Escapees."

Some 100 participants, composed of diocesan personnel, priests, religious and escapees, shared information and looked for effective ways to support the North Korean escapees whose number is increasing year after year.

"As the categories of escapees are being diversified, the institutional support cannot sufficiently meet their needs, so the role of the religious circles is important," a government official said.

"Offering mental aid to escapees is necessary so that they can feel equal with other citizens, without feeling themselves as aliens," a consultant working for a consultation center for North Korean escapees said.

Other participants also reached a consensus that the escapees are the seeds of evangelization of North Korea and need diversified support. They also proposed to intensify the mental and emotional bonds with North Korean escapees and to share information of supporting work.

* Jesuits in Korea Preparing Its Golden Anniversary Next Year

To mark the coming golden anniversary of its entrance to Korea in 2005, the Society of Jesus is preparing various events from November 28, 2004 to December 25, 2005.

Offering Mass on the First Sunday of Advent on November 28, the Society made resolutions to prepare its golden anniversary with a program of spirituality renewal, general retreats and workshops. The year will be also featured with photo exhibition, lectures and academic symposium.

All these projects aim at illuminating the half a century history of the Jesuits in Korea and preparing for the future. "In this bigger picture, our members will reaffirm our identity as Jesuits and be committed to our apostolate to manifest the glory of God," a member of the Society said.