Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The consecrated life is a call to “live more radically following Jesus Christ, through prayer, action, service to others, and evangelization.” This is the Message for the Day of Consecrated Life, which is celebrated on February 2, promoted by the Conference of Major Superiors of Male Religious Institutes present in Korea.
The Benedictine Abbot, Fr. Simon Peter Ri Hyeong-u, President of the Conference that issued the Message, affirms that the consecrated in Korea are in important part of daily life, as they offer their constant testimony to the faith and offer society a chance to return to the transcendental dimension, to see a reference to God, which is essential in an era of materialism and secularism.
The consecrated are fully integrated into society and are called to interpret the new challenges and changes at the light of the Gospel: “They should serve the poor and the marginalized with all their strength and with great fidelity. Especially nowadays, we should work to help multi-cultural families, our brother immigrants and refugees from North Korea,” the Abbot said.
Special attention, he ads, “should be given to the youth, who should engage in charitable works, so that they can enter into greater contact with their brothers who are most in need,” overcome the difficulties and come into direct contact with consecrated persons, getting to know their charism and lifestyle.
Religious, the Message says, “are called to make a daily examination of conscience for continual interior renewal.” It is also important to make a contribution to the growth of the Church in Korea, “promoting the spiritual growth of the faithful, contributing in education, in pastoral activity, and in the evangelization effort, in cooperation with the dioceses.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/1/2009)
