ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Cheongju diocese opens Synod on 50th anniversary of foundation

Cheongju (Agenzia Fides) - Cheongju diocese opened a Diocesan Synod with a solemn Mass presided by Bishop Gabriel Chang Bong-hun. The diocese will celebrate the 50th anniversary of foundation in 2008. In a message “Jesus our Saviour, we entrust ourselves to you”, Bishop Gabriel Chang Bong-hun recalled the 2008 will also be the first diocesan Holy Year. He said the year will be "a jubilee year, a year of thanksgiving, a new Pentecost, an opportunity to renew our diocese and a point of departure for new evangelisation”. He asked the local Catholics to make the diocese “a community of faith, centred around the Eucharist; a community which listens to the Word of God; a sharing community founded on communion”.
Bishop Chang Bong-hun, said he hoped 2008 would be a “year of grace” , and he urged the people to pray to the Holy Spirit, to look at the example of the martyrs, the missionaries and many good lay Catholic men and women.
The first Plenary Assembly of the Synod attended by delegates from parishes, lay associations and religious communities will reflect on three priority themes, Mission, Youth and the Family, in three separate discussions. After the preparatory stage the celebration of the Synod will last nine months, with several plenary sessions and meetings for individual commissions. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/10/2007 lines 22 words 246)