ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - A Korean priest on mission in Japan to help the local Church with pastoral and missionary work

Seoul (Fides Service) - Rev. Anthony Youn Yeo-ok, a priest at the parish of Sapgyo in the Korean diocese of Taejon, said goodbye to confreres, friends and the faithful and took up the mission mandate given by his Bishop Joseph Kyeong Kap-ryong. He has been sent on mission across the sea to Japan where he will care for the faithful in the diocese of Sentai.
The situation of the Church in Japan, a small minority in a society of widespread secularisation and religious indifference, often requires the help of missionaries. So the Church in nearby Korea, rich in vocations and with a Catholic laity involved in church life and social assistance, often helps dioceses, parishes and ecclesial realities in the archipelago with formation and pastoral activity. Recently the Church in Korea has also sent missionaries to Mongolia and Taiwan.
Father Youn, who speaks fluent Japanese, worked in Japan from 1993 to 1996 in Fukukoa diocese giving spiritual assistance to Korean immigrant workers, but this time his task will be different: he will teach catechism, administer the Sacraments visit families, lead youth groups, promote evangelising efforts to reach the Japanese people.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2004 lines 20 words 196)