Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – For one hundred years now, the lantern of prayer has burned bright at the Abbey of Waegwan, of the Order of Saint Benedict of Saint Ottilia. The monks will celebrate, the week of September 19-25, their 100th anniversary of their presence in Korea, with a program of events, conferences, and liturgical celebrations.
Among the most important events is the dedication and inauguration of the new Church at the Abbey, as the old Church was irreparably damaged in a fire in 2007.
The anniversary will also be an occasion to reflect on the Benedictine charism in Korea. Waegwan will be hosting a Synod of Abbots of the Benedictine Confederation, which will be an important moment for reflection and planning for the future.
The Abbey of Waegwan belongs to the Benedictine Congregation of Saint Ottilia, and with its 136 monks is the largest community of Benedictines in Asia. In the main house in Waegwan, there are normally 75 monks, while the others live in other houses in the territory, dependent on the Abbey. Founded in 1909 by Bavarian monks, the Abbey was first headquartered in Tokwon, Northern Korea. After the closing of the monastery by the Communist regime, in May 1949, the surviving monks reunited in 1952 in Waegwan. The community became an Abbey in 1964.
The monastery, which is among the most important in Asia, was severely damaged in a fire on April 5, 2007, the night of Holy Thursday (see Fides 13/4/2007). (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2009)
