2011 Pastoral Letters of Diocesan Bishops

On the occasion of the first Sunday of Advent, each Diocesan Bishop issued his 2011 pastoral letter and invited the faithful to remember his or her calling to fulfill new evangelization facing a new era. Each Diocesan Bishop also asked the faithful to strive to not only practice internal evangelization individually but also renew the Church and strengthen spirituality.

His Eminence Nicholas Cardinal Cheong Jinsuk, Archbishop of Seoul, emphasized that the priority of both the Church and faithful is practicing self-evangelization. He also said that on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Apostolic Vicariate of Corea in 2031, the pastoral aim would be 'new evangelization in a new era' every decade.

The Most Rev. Thaddeus Cho Hwan-gil, Archbishop of Daegu, said that 'new evangelization in a new era' is the reason and purpose of the presence of the Church. He also added that the faithful should try to realize his or her divine vocation.

In his pastoral letter entitled "Communities of Evangelization Focusing on Eucharist", the Most Rev. Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, Archbishop of Kwangju, said that the pastoral aim would be to revitalize the liturgy that is the root of the Church life and mission. He hope that the year 2011 could be the year of new evangelization as the faithful stirring up the importance of the liturgy.

The Most Rev. Lucas Kim Woon-hoe, Bishop of Chunchon, issued his first pastoral letter and asked the faithful to do his or her best to revitalize missionary activities, to promote priestly formation, to do pastoral work for the youth and to strengthen spirituality.