The Most Rev. Paul Choi Deok-ki, Bishop of Suwon and President of CBCK Committee for Evangelization, issued the Message for the Month of Mission 2008.

In the message, Bishop Choi said, "In the Pauline Year we have to devote ourselves to reinvigorating efforts for the unity and harmony of all Christians, following the example of the faith, missionary passion and love of St. Paul. ······ St. Paul devoted his life to disseminating the Good News of the Lord to the ends of the world, because he wanted to show that he was proud of the Lord who loved him and was loved by him, and further he wanted to share His great blessing for him with all the people of the world. ······ St. Paul knew that proclaiming the Gospel meant practicing the greatest love for his neighbor. The best, the most important and the most necessary thing for him was to communicate Christ Himself and His word to the people."

Then about the status and role of the Church in Korea in relation to Asia, Bishop Choi said, "Compared with the past, the churches has become bigger and more brilliant and the number of the faithful has dramatically increased. This is a mission as much as a great gift and a blessing that God has granted to the Church in Korea. ······ In this world, especially in Asia, we have to ask ourselves: who are our poor neighbours?; who are our neighbours asking our helping hand?; what does the Lord want us to do today? The wealth and blessings which the Lord has granted us are not just for the salvation and happiness of Koreans. These are divine blessings for the Catholic Church in Korea to use for the common good of the world, especially for the promotion of the common good of Asia. ······ We can invigorate the mission spirit locally only when we strive for the foreign missions."

In conclusion, Bishop Choi said, "On the occasion of the Pauline Year, the meaning of proclaiming the Gospel to the world renews itself and comes closer to us. We all have to instill in our minds a passion for mission, especially in Asia, and put it into practice more faithfully than ever as we celebrate the Pauline Year."