ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Laudato Sì and the history of evangelization on display to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the South Korea and the Holy See

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - "Korean artists are so keen in promoting artistic work, particularly those with religious themes, as an efficacious way to spread the love for beauty and the Good News of the Gospel": it is with these words of appreciation that Archbishop Alfred Xuereb , Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea, presented and inaugurated the special exhibition Laudato Sì, inaugurated on June 14 in Seoul, at the Myeongdong Gallery, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Korea and the Holy See. The exhibition was made possible through the contribution of the Seoul Catholic Artists Association, a Catholic lay organization in the Archdiocese. On display are precious artwork from the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea, a Bronze Cross of the Chapel and two original papal bulls Pope Paul VI signed in 1963 and 1966. "On behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, I send my heartfelt greetings and blessings. This meaningful exhibition will further solidify the special bond between Korea and the Holy See", the Apostolic Nuncio added. Then, addressing the artists present at the opening ceremony, he said: "We thank you for the work you do, for the joy you bring to the world with your works, and we encourage you to continue your service of evangelization through art with love and skill, because the world needs beauty more than ever". At the inauguration of the exhibition, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-Taick, OCD, Archbishop of Seoul said: "The exhibition shows how the members of the artists association artistically digested and expressed the teachings of Laudato Si’, an ecological way of thinking requested by the pope globally". He then recalled the appeal to safeguard "our 'common home', and to live together, in harmony with all creatures". Sophie Park Hae Won, president of the Catholic Artists Association of Seoul, said: "I would like to dedicate this exhibition in memory of the noble sacrifice of Bishop Patrick Byrne, who came to Korea as the first papal delegate in 1947 and was martyred in North Korea during the ‘Death March’ there in 1950, and the holy martyrdom of our ancestors. Because it is impossible to imagine the Korean Catholic Church of today without their sacrifices". "We hope that this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to create a venue for active cultural exchange between the Republic of Korea and the Holy See, and furthermore for many people", added Father Matteo Choi Kwang-Hee, Head of Culture and Communication Department of the Archdiocese of Seoul. In addition to the exhibition, several cultural and artistic events are planned during the year 2023 to commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and South Korea: among others, a concert for religious choirs will be held in the cathedral of Myeongdong and another exhibition dedicated to the martyrs will open at the Seosomun Shrine Historical Museum this fall. Visitors can have chances to look into the history of solidarity between Korea and the Vatican through historical materials and artifacts. The Holy See established the Vicariate Apostolic of Chosun in 1831 and appointed Byrne as the first apostolic delegate to Korea in 1947. The appointment of Byrne as the papal delegate was a historic event with a special significance that a diplomatic envoy of the Holy See had been dispatched to Korea for the first time. Thanks to the support of the Holy See, the South Korean government got international recognition as a legitimate state at the third UN General Assembly held in Paris, France in 1948. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2023)

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