Communication on January 14, 2005
* Message Issued for Christian Unity Octave
On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25, 2005, the Most Rev. Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, President of the CBCK Committee for Promoting Christian Unity & Interreligious Dialogue, issued a message and invited Christian communities in Korea to invoke the Holy Spirit so that they can make a bigger step towards Christian unity.
On the theme of this year, "Christ, the One Foundation of the Church" (cf. 1Cor 3:1-23), the Message says, "Ecumenical movement should be regarded as a mission that is essential for the nature of the Church, not as an annual ceremonial event."
"Without cooperation on the spiritual and fundamental dimension, communion cannot be completed. Each Christian community should approach others with an attitude of respecting their own charisma, entrusting themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit."
Pointing out the "unevangelical antagonism among Christian communities in recent past," he said, "We should ask the forgiveness to each other and the mercy of God for what we have done," noting that it was a grave misconception to regard the division in Western countries in remote past as a legacy of the faith.
He also noted, "In other parts of the earth, many people are suffering from wars, discrimination, poverty and hunger or died due to the recent earthquake and tsunami." He said, therefore, "Christian communities must take the lead in tiding over this calamity in the earth." In addition, he hoped the ecumenical movement can continue in daily lives of Christians.
* Catholic University of Korea Wishes for the Religious Freedom in North Korea at Its 150th Anniversary
Catholic University of Korea (President: Rev. Simon Oh Chang-seon) celebrated Mass on January 10, 2005 marking its 150th anniversary, with the intention of the religious freedom in North Korea.
In the Mass some 400 faithful attended, including the Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, Archbishop of Seoul, the Most Rev. Emil Paul Tscherrig, Apostolic Nuncio in Korea, the Most Rev. Augustine Cheong Myong-jo, Bishop of Pusan, and the Rev. Peter Ryu Jang-seon, President of the Jesuit-run Sogang University.
Archbishop Cheong said in his homily, "In present society where materialism and selfishness prevail, I hope Catholic University can contribute to human education and life-respecting education as well as to formation of the talented students."
Rev. Oh said, "The 150-year history is a history of efforts for respecting human persons and life in the spirit of Gospel. On this occasion, we will confirm our identity anew and make a new resolution to pursue our educational goals of truth, love and service with all our energy and ability."
The Most Rev. Andreas Choi Chang-mou, Archbishop of Kwangju, who served as the 11th and 16th President of the University, also read a congratulatory message and blessed the future of the University.
Before the Mass, a benediction ceremony of a statue of the Rev. Andrew Kim Tae-gon took place. This year coincides with the 160th anniversary of his ordination of priesthood.
On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25, 2005, the Most Rev. Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, President of the CBCK Committee for Promoting Christian Unity & Interreligious Dialogue, issued a message and invited Christian communities in Korea to invoke the Holy Spirit so that they can make a bigger step towards Christian unity.
On the theme of this year, "Christ, the One Foundation of the Church" (cf. 1Cor 3:1-23), the Message says, "Ecumenical movement should be regarded as a mission that is essential for the nature of the Church, not as an annual ceremonial event."
"Without cooperation on the spiritual and fundamental dimension, communion cannot be completed. Each Christian community should approach others with an attitude of respecting their own charisma, entrusting themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit."
Pointing out the "unevangelical antagonism among Christian communities in recent past," he said, "We should ask the forgiveness to each other and the mercy of God for what we have done," noting that it was a grave misconception to regard the division in Western countries in remote past as a legacy of the faith.
He also noted, "In other parts of the earth, many people are suffering from wars, discrimination, poverty and hunger or died due to the recent earthquake and tsunami." He said, therefore, "Christian communities must take the lead in tiding over this calamity in the earth." In addition, he hoped the ecumenical movement can continue in daily lives of Christians.
* Catholic University of Korea Wishes for the Religious Freedom in North Korea at Its 150th Anniversary
Catholic University of Korea (President: Rev. Simon Oh Chang-seon) celebrated Mass on January 10, 2005 marking its 150th anniversary, with the intention of the religious freedom in North Korea.
In the Mass some 400 faithful attended, including the Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, Archbishop of Seoul, the Most Rev. Emil Paul Tscherrig, Apostolic Nuncio in Korea, the Most Rev. Augustine Cheong Myong-jo, Bishop of Pusan, and the Rev. Peter Ryu Jang-seon, President of the Jesuit-run Sogang University.
Archbishop Cheong said in his homily, "In present society where materialism and selfishness prevail, I hope Catholic University can contribute to human education and life-respecting education as well as to formation of the talented students."
Rev. Oh said, "The 150-year history is a history of efforts for respecting human persons and life in the spirit of Gospel. On this occasion, we will confirm our identity anew and make a new resolution to pursue our educational goals of truth, love and service with all our energy and ability."
The Most Rev. Andreas Choi Chang-mou, Archbishop of Kwangju, who served as the 11th and 16th President of the University, also read a congratulatory message and blessed the future of the University.
Before the Mass, a benediction ceremony of a statue of the Rev. Andrew Kim Tae-gon took place. This year coincides with the 160th anniversary of his ordination of priesthood.