ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Korean community's closeness and solidarity with earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Images of the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake on February 6 in Turkey and Syria have not left Catholics in South Korea indifferent. Peter Chung Soon-Taick, O.C.D., Archbishop of Seoul sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the people of Turkey and Syria: "We ask God that all the souls who died in the earthquake enjoy eternal rest, consolation and the mercy of the Lord", he wrote in a message to local Churches. Interpreting the feelings of the Korean baptized, the Archbishop added: "We hope that the Lord's consolation will be with those who are suffering from the sudden loss of their loved ones and homes, which happened in an instant, and with those in both countries who are concerned about the safety of their families and homes".
The text continues: "We We pray to the Virgin Mary to protect all those who participate in the relief efforts after the earthquake", generous people and volunteers despite adverse weather conditions and aftershocks .
As reported by the Communication Office of the Archdiocese of Seoul, the Archbishop, assuring the spiritual closeness and constant prayers of the entire Korean Church, announces that a special charity initiative has already been launched in the local Church: funds will be collected to be given to the earthquake victims during Sunday Mass in all parishes on February 12. Bishop Benedict Son Hee-song, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Seoul, announced this in a letter sent to all parishes, associations, religious congregations, movements, and communities: "Next Sunday, February 12 (sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time), there will be a second collection during Mass, with the specific purpose of helping our Syrian brothers and sisters who are suffering from the earthquake".
The funds raised will be delivered to local churches in the affected countries.
Alongside this initiative, several local Church realities have taken action on their own: the Korean lay movement "One Body, One Spirit" has announced that it has allocated and already sent an initial contribution of 100 thousand US dollars, donated through Caritas Internationalis, while it plans to make further contributions by continuing to raise funds through various channels. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 10/2/2023)

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