Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - “Spousal love and the sign of divine love”: this is the title of the message issued by the Commission for the Family, of the South Korean Bishops' Conference, on the occasion of Christmas and in preparation for the feast of the Holy Family, which will be celebrated on December 28. Bishop Paul Hwang Cheol-soo of Pusan, President of the Commission, highlights in the Message the aggressions of consumerism and the hedonistic culture affecting the family in Korean society: “As a result, interpersonal love and spiritual values, which are important virtues in the family unit, are being undervalued.”
Thus, on the occasion of Christmas and the feast of the Holy Family, the Church is trying to focus on the model of the family that lives in communion of love, walking on a spiritual path and not only concerned for material needs; a family that does not remain a closed unit, but opens its heart to others.
“One of the greatest sociological changes in Korea is the growing number of multi-cultural families. In this situation, recognizing the difference and choosing coexistence is an urgent task for all of us.”
The Bishop recalls that every man truly finds himself in his donation to the other, and this truth is incarnate in the reality of the family, in which the bond and reciprocal donation between spouses in the Sacrament of Marriage, brings fruits for all society. “Christian couples should not forget the fact that they are Sacraments of love of God and tabernacles in which He lives,” the text says.
During the time of Advent, the Bishops have reminded the faithful of the importance of the Christian family (see Fides 28/11/2008), birthplace of the faith, in which we should find a place for prayer, listening and sharing the Word of God, experiences of forgiveness and reconciliation. The family, the Bishops say, should become a “training ground” for the faith that prepares Christians to bear witness to the Gospel in society. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/12/2008)
