Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Retracing the life and mission in Mongolia of Father Stephano Kim Seong-hyeon: this is the objective of the new documentary published on the Korea Catholic Times YouTube channel, entitled in English "Who is a priest?" which traces the story of the Fidei donum missionary of the diocese of Daejeon, who died suddenly at the age of 55 in May 2023.
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Ripercorrere la vita e l’opera missionaria compiuta in Mongolia dal sacerdote coreano Stephano Kim Seong-hyeon e rispondere al quesito: chi è un prete? Proprio questo interrogativo, in lingua inglese, dà il titolo al nuovo documentario, pubblicato sul canale YouTube del Korea Catholic Times, che ripercorre la storia del missionario Fidei donum della diocesi di Daejeon, morto improvvisamente all’età di 55 anni nel maggio del 2023.
A member of the Prado Secular Institute for Men, Father Stephano arrived in Mongolia in 2002. He founded the parish of St. Mary of the Assumption in the Khan Uul region before moving to the steppe, about 200 kilometers from the capital, and stopped in Erdenesant. There he shared the lifestyle of nomadic shepherds, living in a ger, the traditional Mongolian tent, and traveling on horseback.
In 2020, Bishop Giorgio Marengo, a Consolata missionary and then newly appointed Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, elected him as his vicar. For three years, Father Stephano devoted himself intensely to the pastoral care of the cathedral's faithful, the resident Korean community, and the many needs of the Prefecture.
The documentary, co-produced by the Korean Prado Priests Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, also offers a reflection on the spirituality of Blessed Antoine Chevrier, founder of the institute. Furthermore, the documentary, available online for free, is the second audiovisual production dedicated to the missionary produced by the Korea Catholic Times.
Last year, together with the Diocese of Daejeon, he presented the documentary "Wind of the Prairie - The Last Lecture of a Mongolian Missionary," which won Best Production in the Internet Radio category at the 34th Korea Catholic Mass Media Awards for its ability to convey the profound spirituality of Father Stephano Kim Seong-hyeon. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/6/2025)
