* Enthronement of Episcopal Vicars and Benediction of the Episcopal Vicariates of the Diocese of Suwon

The Diocese of Suwon celebrated the ceremony for the enthronement of episcopal vicars and the benediction of the episcopal vicariates: Seongnam Episcopal Vicariate (Episcopal Vicar: Rev. Gabriel Kim Yeong-ok) and Ansan (Rev. Julian Kim Han-cheol) on October 26; Anyang (Rev. Gregorio Han Sang-ho) and Yongin (Rev. Melchior Ko Geon-seon) on October 27; Suwon (Rev. Bartholomew Choe Jae-yong) and Pyeongtaek (the Rev. Jacobus Jo Won-kyu) on October 31, 2006. 

The Most Rev. Paul Choi Deok-ki, Bishop of Suwon, issued a message entitled "On the occasion of the ceremony for the enthronement of the episcopal vicars and the benediction of the episcopal vicariates", in which he called for all diocesan members to make a more united community around their own episcopal vicar. He added, "In the situation of the diocesan growth in quantity, the Diocese of Suwon needed innovation and reform of the diocesan structure in general to foster inner growth of the diocesan faithful and to play more faithfully its role as the light of the world." For its constructive direction, he emphasized the animation of basic ecclesial communities, the vivification of the Christian life of the youth, and thus the sanctification of the family. 

On this occasion, the Diocese of Suwon added a new section 'Episcopal Vicariate / Parish' to the diocesan website, and a new section 'Episcopal Vicariate' to the diocesan weekly bulletin to communicate news of each episcopal vicariate. 

* Mass for the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Masan

The Diocese of Masan celebrated the 40th anniversary of the diocesan establishment at the main stadium of Masan Sports Complex on October 29. This ceremony, under the theme "With Jesus Christ", proceeded as follows: an eucharistic concelebration of the Most Rev. Francis Xavier Ahn Myong-ok, Bishop of Masan, with diocesan priests, a commemorative event, and a congratulatory party.

In this ceremony, along with His Eminence Stephan Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, the first Bishop of Masan (1966-1968), the Most Rev. Emil Paul Tscherrig, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, the Most Rev. Paul Ri Moun-hi, Archbishop of Daegu, the Most Rev. Michael Pak Jeong-il, the third Bishop of Masan (1988-2002), and Mr. Kim Tae-ho, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, some 17,000 diocesan faithful celebrated the 40th anniversary. 

In the homily, Bishop Ahn said, "It was truly filled with the blessings and love of God in the last 40 years. As we taste the fruits of which seeds were sowed and grown by the predecessors of faith, we have corresponding responsibility to mature our diocese."

In his congratulatory address, Cardinal Kim said, "For 40 years, whenever the Diocese of Masan faced difficulties and our faith weakened, God was always with us. Let's answer to love of Jesus Christ with our deeper faith in him. Let's become salt and light in the world."