ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Seoul celebrates the Assumption and its 79 years of independence, Archbishop Chung Soon-taek: "Listening promotes unity"

Seoul (Fides News Agency) – "Listening promotes unity, and those who experience such healing from division embark on strengthened paths of faith". This is the heart of the message that the Archbishop of Seoul, Peter Soon-taick Chung, is sending the faithful on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - and the Day celebrating Independence from Japan, which dates back to August 15, 1945.

In his traditional message, the Archbishop shared a long reflection in which significant themes for the nation and for spiritual discernment intertwine, starting with the solemnity of the Mary's Assumption. Solemnity, says the prelate, which "contains profound paradox and truth: God raises those who, with hearts attuned to listening and communion, are committed to his people. The Assumption foreshadows the fate of those who humble themselves. ”

"Inspired by Mary's faith," the Archbishop of Seoul continues, "let us examine today's world. Our society is full of deceptive images that appear more authentic than reality itself. Driven by an insatiable appetite for possession and ostentatious consumption, individuals measure the world and their relationships through the lens of material wealth. "

But this "materialistic conditioning begets a hindrance to opening one's heart to truly hear others. Authentic listening, Chung Soon-taek points out, requires silence. And in that silence lies the discovery of self-giving, the generous devotion of our time to others".

Mary's faith, the prelate explains, "is deeply rooted in this sacred act of listening, so much so that it makes her a spiritual mother to all of us. Listening fosters unity, and those who experience such healing from division embark on strengthened paths of faith. ”
In this perspective, and also in view of the synodal journey that the whole Church is undertaking over these months, the youth have a particular role, as the "main protagonists of this journey" to Heaven: "I imagine young people – the Archbishop writes – following in the footsteps of Mary and becoming leading figures in this spiritual odyssey. This intoxicating vision, I hope, will permeate every aspect of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, including its entire preparatory phase. I fervently pray that young people, regardless of their religious background, may walk this path together. "

"Through the historical event of liberation, South Korea is now globally admired as a beacon of democracy and culture, despite the deep scars of war," continues the prelate who, emphasizing the path taken to achieve independence, and the one followed by the Virgin Mary to reach Heaven, asks the faithful: "Deep down, have we really been freed from the hostility and division rooted within us? Embracing this reflection, I hope that the Seoul WYD 2027 may act as an authentic new beginning of liberation that will re-establish light, serving as a new opportunity for peace and unity. " (F.B.) (Fides News Agency 12/8/2024)

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