Communications on Feb. 22, 2002
* Bishops' Messages for Lent Call for Conversion, Charity and Justice
On the occasion of Ash Wednesday on February 13, Archbishop of Seoul and Bishops of Pusan, Masan, and Andong issued Messages for Lent respectively, and asked the faithful to make self-examination for conversion, and strive to make the Church and society a better place in the eyes of God through charity and justice.
The Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong, Archbishop of Seoul, said in his message titled "Let's clothe ourselves with the new self created in the likeness of God"(cf. Eph. 4,24), that we should make efforts for conversion of ourselves and whole society as well. He also urged Christians to take the lead in building social community based on justice by reminding them of the recent corruption and bribery scandal of public officials in Korea.
"Only when social leaders, being conscious of their responsibilities, are committed to service for society without pursuing self-interest, the nation can be affluent and powerful in economic aspect and sound in spiritual and moral aspect as well." Archbishop pointed out.
The Most Rev. Michael Pak, Bishop of Masan, asked his faithful to pray and practice charity more intensely than ever during this Lent, and to repent for neglecting mission of evangelization as a member of the Church.
"We should repent for our insufficient committment to the realization of social justice and peace and for not giving good examples to the youth as adults through honest lives in family and society." said the Most Rev. Michael Park.
The Most Rev. Augustine Cheong, Bishop of Pusan, emphasized the meaning of Lent, saying, "the Lent is the time when we reflect underlying attitudes of our lives and correct our wrongs with deliberate sacrifice and self-abnegation." In addition, he proposed to the faithful and families; to restrain watching TV and playing computer games on Fridays; to make time to pray and dialogue with family members; to practice good deeds for others everyday; to say daily the "Our Father" and the "Hail Mary" asking forgiveness of our sins we committed by hating people.
The Most Rev. John Chrysostom Kwon, Bishop of Andong, invited the faithful to live continuous prayer life; life of temperance by breaking from consumerism and materialism; life of charity by sharing what we have both in material and spiritual."
Summary of Message for Lent of Archbishop Nicholas Cheong
"Let's Clothe Ourselves with the New Self Created in the Likeness of God"(cf. Eph. 4,24)
Lent is the time when we prepare for Easter meditating the life of Jesus Christ who suffered for the redemption of all humanity. During the Lent, we should more deeply recognize and meditate that all beings and things in the world are created by God for all people. Our life itself and what we possess do not belong to us but are the gift from God. We Christians, among other people, should strive to make the world created by God a better place to live in. During this Lent, we should start new lives in accordance with the Word of God. We have to make efforts for conversion of whole society as well as our own conversion and should be reborn in the grace of God.
Today, our society suffers from the prevailing corruption and bribery scandal. It is very deplorable that many social leaders and public officials who should be examples of other people are involved in the corruption. Corruption and bribery scandal not only destroy the life of pertinent persons but also discourage honest and industrious people to lose their hope and interest in life.
If all people live with honesty and sincerity, listen to the voice of conscience, and respect basic principles, justice and peace will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream(cf. Amo 5,24). Only when social leaders, being conscious of their responsibilities, are committed to service for society without pursuing self-interest, the nation can be affluent and powerful in economic aspect and sound in spiritual and moral aspects as well. With renewed attitude, all people should try to make the presidential election and that of local governors to be held this year good opportunities for inner lesson and maturity.
Once again, I hope each of us, social community and the whole world can become more beautiful in the eyes of God through the grace of Him. I wish you go through this Lent meaningfully, so that abundant grace of Easter can be fully poured on you.
* Biblical Committee Promotes 'Movement to Transcribe Readings'
As one of the Lent programs, the Biblical Committee of the CBCK (President: Most Rev. John Chang Yik) encouraged the Korean Catholics to live out the Word of God in daily life and invited them to participate in the 'Movement to Transcribe Readings.'
This movement suggests that the lector in Mass to write out the text on paper in advance and read it in Mass so that he/she could meditate the teaching of the Bible through act of writing and interiorize it.
"Such way of reading can transmit the Word of God to the congregation more fully and effectively."
The Most Rev. John Chang said, "To write out the biblical text is one thing, and to read it is quite another", and that "the lectors can convey the content and meaning of the Word more faithfully by writing the text by him/herself".
The trace of transcription of Bible can be found in history of the Catholic Church in Korea. For example, the early Korean Catholics were used to transcribe "Seong-gyeong-gwang-ik-jik-hae", the Commentaries on Bible and liturgical texts of Sundays and feast days of Saint.
To transcribe Bible or other sacred scriptures has been considered to be a good way to deepen spirit and mind in either Christian tradition or other religions. In particular, transcription seems to have deep root in the Church and cultural tradition in Korea. Transcribing Bible does not mean merely copying down the letters. Rather, it can be a way to meet living God in Word and to renew our worn-out devotion through act of copying word by word of the text.
* Korean Women Religious to Open Institute for Religious Formators
The Korean Catholic Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious (President: Sr. Michaela Park Seung-ae) opened the Institute of Religious Formators in Seoul.
The new Institute is the result of long preparation by the Superiors of institutes of women religious to respond to their need.
So far, the Superiors of religious institutes in Korea were obliged to send their members to overseas or graduate schools in Korea to get training required to be formators of religious life.
In this context, the Superiors have felt an urgent need to have an educational program for formators that is adapted to Korean culture and the reality of the Church in Korea.
The Institute will start the program of four semesters from March 6 at St. Francis' Education Center in downtown Seoul for 42 formators in active service from 31 religious congregations.
The education program will provide broad range of necessary subjects and selected lecturers and professors.
"The institute has a special meaning for us the Korean women religious, for it is a fruit of our profound desire and efforts. We hope this will meet expectation of many people and contribute to inculturation of theology as well", said Sr. Kim Young-seon, the chairperson of the Committee of Ongoing Formation of Korean Women Religious of the Association.
* Seoul Archdiocese to Send Relief Aid to North Korea
The Committee for the Reconciliation of Korean People of Seoul Archdiocese (President: Most Rev. Andrew Yeom Soo-jung) is ready to send to the Association of North Korean Catholics(Chairperson: Mr. Samuel Jang Jae-eon) relief aid of polyethylene film for rice planting, maize and flour.
The Committee official said that 15 tons of polyethylene film for rice planting, 450 tons of flour and 1000 tons of maize would be shipped to North though Incheon Port on February 27.
450 tons of flour will be sent to three noodle factories in Pyongyang, Nampo and Sincheon, 150 tons to each.
The Committee initiated to help North Korean people in need since 1995 when the severe drought hit the country by leaving the entire people of North Korea in a critical situation of poverty.
* Korean and Japanese Youth Confirm their Friendship and Solidarity
The 7th Korean and Japanese Youth Exchange Meeting was held in Daegu from February 14 to 16 sponsored by the Committee on Education of the CBCK(President: Most Rev. Paul Ri) with a theme of "We Are One".
25 Japanese youth were welcomed by their Korean counterparts and stayed in families where they could experience Korean culture in daily life.
Pilgrimage to holy places of Korean martyrs and participation to the street mission and evangelization were part of their programs in which they could experience the living faith of Korean Catholics.
Various cultural programs and visiting ancient remains of Silla dynasty in Gyeongju offered the youth of the two countries opportunity to approach in deeper understanding of history and friendship.
"Having the meeting not in Seoul but in other city was a way to expand its meaning. We could see the bright future of the Church in these young people who approached each other as mature Christians and humans", said Rev. Stephen Park Deuk-su, the Executive Secretary of the Committee on Education of the CBCK.
On the occasion of Ash Wednesday on February 13, Archbishop of Seoul and Bishops of Pusan, Masan, and Andong issued Messages for Lent respectively, and asked the faithful to make self-examination for conversion, and strive to make the Church and society a better place in the eyes of God through charity and justice.
The Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong, Archbishop of Seoul, said in his message titled "Let's clothe ourselves with the new self created in the likeness of God"(cf. Eph. 4,24), that we should make efforts for conversion of ourselves and whole society as well. He also urged Christians to take the lead in building social community based on justice by reminding them of the recent corruption and bribery scandal of public officials in Korea.
"Only when social leaders, being conscious of their responsibilities, are committed to service for society without pursuing self-interest, the nation can be affluent and powerful in economic aspect and sound in spiritual and moral aspect as well." Archbishop pointed out.
The Most Rev. Michael Pak, Bishop of Masan, asked his faithful to pray and practice charity more intensely than ever during this Lent, and to repent for neglecting mission of evangelization as a member of the Church.
"We should repent for our insufficient committment to the realization of social justice and peace and for not giving good examples to the youth as adults through honest lives in family and society." said the Most Rev. Michael Park.
The Most Rev. Augustine Cheong, Bishop of Pusan, emphasized the meaning of Lent, saying, "the Lent is the time when we reflect underlying attitudes of our lives and correct our wrongs with deliberate sacrifice and self-abnegation." In addition, he proposed to the faithful and families; to restrain watching TV and playing computer games on Fridays; to make time to pray and dialogue with family members; to practice good deeds for others everyday; to say daily the "Our Father" and the "Hail Mary" asking forgiveness of our sins we committed by hating people.
The Most Rev. John Chrysostom Kwon, Bishop of Andong, invited the faithful to live continuous prayer life; life of temperance by breaking from consumerism and materialism; life of charity by sharing what we have both in material and spiritual."
Summary of Message for Lent of Archbishop Nicholas Cheong
"Let's Clothe Ourselves with the New Self Created in the Likeness of God"(cf. Eph. 4,24)
Lent is the time when we prepare for Easter meditating the life of Jesus Christ who suffered for the redemption of all humanity. During the Lent, we should more deeply recognize and meditate that all beings and things in the world are created by God for all people. Our life itself and what we possess do not belong to us but are the gift from God. We Christians, among other people, should strive to make the world created by God a better place to live in. During this Lent, we should start new lives in accordance with the Word of God. We have to make efforts for conversion of whole society as well as our own conversion and should be reborn in the grace of God.
Today, our society suffers from the prevailing corruption and bribery scandal. It is very deplorable that many social leaders and public officials who should be examples of other people are involved in the corruption. Corruption and bribery scandal not only destroy the life of pertinent persons but also discourage honest and industrious people to lose their hope and interest in life.
If all people live with honesty and sincerity, listen to the voice of conscience, and respect basic principles, justice and peace will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream(cf. Amo 5,24). Only when social leaders, being conscious of their responsibilities, are committed to service for society without pursuing self-interest, the nation can be affluent and powerful in economic aspect and sound in spiritual and moral aspects as well. With renewed attitude, all people should try to make the presidential election and that of local governors to be held this year good opportunities for inner lesson and maturity.
Once again, I hope each of us, social community and the whole world can become more beautiful in the eyes of God through the grace of Him. I wish you go through this Lent meaningfully, so that abundant grace of Easter can be fully poured on you.
* Biblical Committee Promotes 'Movement to Transcribe Readings'
As one of the Lent programs, the Biblical Committee of the CBCK (President: Most Rev. John Chang Yik) encouraged the Korean Catholics to live out the Word of God in daily life and invited them to participate in the 'Movement to Transcribe Readings.'
This movement suggests that the lector in Mass to write out the text on paper in advance and read it in Mass so that he/she could meditate the teaching of the Bible through act of writing and interiorize it.
"Such way of reading can transmit the Word of God to the congregation more fully and effectively."
The Most Rev. John Chang said, "To write out the biblical text is one thing, and to read it is quite another", and that "the lectors can convey the content and meaning of the Word more faithfully by writing the text by him/herself".
The trace of transcription of Bible can be found in history of the Catholic Church in Korea. For example, the early Korean Catholics were used to transcribe "Seong-gyeong-gwang-ik-jik-hae", the Commentaries on Bible and liturgical texts of Sundays and feast days of Saint.
To transcribe Bible or other sacred scriptures has been considered to be a good way to deepen spirit and mind in either Christian tradition or other religions. In particular, transcription seems to have deep root in the Church and cultural tradition in Korea. Transcribing Bible does not mean merely copying down the letters. Rather, it can be a way to meet living God in Word and to renew our worn-out devotion through act of copying word by word of the text.
* Korean Women Religious to Open Institute for Religious Formators
The Korean Catholic Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious (President: Sr. Michaela Park Seung-ae) opened the Institute of Religious Formators in Seoul.
The new Institute is the result of long preparation by the Superiors of institutes of women religious to respond to their need.
So far, the Superiors of religious institutes in Korea were obliged to send their members to overseas or graduate schools in Korea to get training required to be formators of religious life.
In this context, the Superiors have felt an urgent need to have an educational program for formators that is adapted to Korean culture and the reality of the Church in Korea.
The Institute will start the program of four semesters from March 6 at St. Francis' Education Center in downtown Seoul for 42 formators in active service from 31 religious congregations.
The education program will provide broad range of necessary subjects and selected lecturers and professors.
"The institute has a special meaning for us the Korean women religious, for it is a fruit of our profound desire and efforts. We hope this will meet expectation of many people and contribute to inculturation of theology as well", said Sr. Kim Young-seon, the chairperson of the Committee of Ongoing Formation of Korean Women Religious of the Association.
* Seoul Archdiocese to Send Relief Aid to North Korea
The Committee for the Reconciliation of Korean People of Seoul Archdiocese (President: Most Rev. Andrew Yeom Soo-jung) is ready to send to the Association of North Korean Catholics(Chairperson: Mr. Samuel Jang Jae-eon) relief aid of polyethylene film for rice planting, maize and flour.
The Committee official said that 15 tons of polyethylene film for rice planting, 450 tons of flour and 1000 tons of maize would be shipped to North though Incheon Port on February 27.
450 tons of flour will be sent to three noodle factories in Pyongyang, Nampo and Sincheon, 150 tons to each.
The Committee initiated to help North Korean people in need since 1995 when the severe drought hit the country by leaving the entire people of North Korea in a critical situation of poverty.
* Korean and Japanese Youth Confirm their Friendship and Solidarity
The 7th Korean and Japanese Youth Exchange Meeting was held in Daegu from February 14 to 16 sponsored by the Committee on Education of the CBCK(President: Most Rev. Paul Ri) with a theme of "We Are One".
25 Japanese youth were welcomed by their Korean counterparts and stayed in families where they could experience Korean culture in daily life.
Pilgrimage to holy places of Korean martyrs and participation to the street mission and evangelization were part of their programs in which they could experience the living faith of Korean Catholics.
Various cultural programs and visiting ancient remains of Silla dynasty in Gyeongju offered the youth of the two countries opportunity to approach in deeper understanding of history and friendship.
"Having the meeting not in Seoul but in other city was a way to expand its meaning. We could see the bright future of the Church in these young people who approached each other as mature Christians and humans", said Rev. Stephen Park Deuk-su, the Executive Secretary of the Committee on Education of the CBCK.