* Archdiocese of Seoul to Hold a Eucharistic Congress in September

The Archdiocese of Seoul decided to hold the "Eucharistic Congress 2006" on the diocesan level at the Major Seminary of Seoul on September 16, the day of martyrdom of St. Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846), the first Korean priest and martyr. This year marks the 160th anniversary of his martyrdom.

It is a response to the recommendation of the Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk, Archbishop of Seoul, who said in his pastoral letter for the year of 2006, "Hopefully, the dynamic life of St. Andrew Kim Taegon who was obedient to the calling of God for the salvation of Korean people and nation and witnessed to the faith through martyrdom can revive in life of the entire faithful in our archdiocese."

In the letter, he also went on, "Every association, organization and parish in the archdiocese should pay attention to living out the meaning of the Eucharist in their daily life, by experiencing the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, sharing the joy of the Eucharist with others, and respecting the dignity of life."

The preparatory committee of the Eucharistic congress (Chairman: the Rev. Benedict Kwak Seong-min, chancellor of the archdiocese) had the first meeting on February 8, 2006 and resolved to encourage the participation of parishes and to arrange practical movements which can be carried out in preparation for the congress.

* "Vitae Mysterium" Prize Instituted

On the occasion of the 14th World Day of the Sick, the Life Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul instituted the "Vitae Mysterium" Prize and invited publicly candidates for the prize, who remarkably contributed to spreading the culture of life or to the research for the treatment of incurable diseases.

This prize will be granted in two categories: the academic field, including life science and the humanities, and the practical field of activities for respecting and defending life. After receiving candidates from March to June, the winner will be announced on December 10, and the awarding ceremony will be held on the next World Day of the Sick, February 11, 2007.

The name of the prize comes from the motu proprio of Pope John Paul II Vitae Mysterium published on the 1994 World Day of the Sick.

The Most Rev. Lucas Kim Woon-hoe, Chairman of the Prize Committee, said, "We hope that this effort of the Catholic Church can lead our society to the respect of life and give hope and impetus to the life science world which has recently evoked much controversy and concern."