ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Day of Prayer for peace in Korea: "Everyone must strive for reconciliation and unity"

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 prayer peace reconciliation

Archdiocese of Seoul

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

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Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - The plea for "authentic peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula" is at the heart of the initiative of the Korean Catholic Church, which annually celebrates June 25, the anniversary of the Korean War, as a "Day of Prayer for National Reconciliation and Unity." At Myeongdong Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Msgr. Chung Soon-Taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, and President of the "Committee for reconciliation" in the Archdiocese, presided over a Mass attended by over a thousand priests, consecrated persons, and faithful, who prayed together for peace on the Korean peninsula.
In his homily, the Archbishop recalled that "this year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 80 years since the division of the country. North and South have lived in a state of division, nurturing hatred and hostility in a context of constant tension and confrontation." He added: "North and South Korea have previously lived as one country, one nation, and one culture for centuries. To overcome conflict and division, we must first reach out, as Jesus told us: 'Give them something to eat.'" Archbishop Chung also emphasized in this context that "a small but significant change has begun in inter-Korean relations." He pointed out that "as soon as our government stopped broadcasting messages to North Korea over loudspeakers, North Korea immediately stopped broadcasting its messages over loudspeakers," which he considers a reduction in tensions. "Peace on the Korean Peninsula and a new relationship between the two Koreas begins with the renunciation of hostility and hatred. Let us pray that each of us can be the one to bring about small changes."
Following the Mass, a symposium commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the "Committee for Reconciliation in Korea" in the Archdiocese of Seoul was held at the Spirituality Center of Myeongdong Cathedral. Archbishop Chung Soon-Taick recalled the committee's objectives and working methods: "The committee, established on March 1, 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Korea's liberation, is intended to be the Church's executive arm for national reconciliation and unity on the Korean peninsula and is committed to working on the basis of three main pillars: prayer, sharing and formation. “Since the first Mass for Reconciliation and Unity in Korea, celebrated on March 7, 1995, the Mass for Reconciliation has been celebrated every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The foundation of every pastoral activity of the committee is prayer," the Archbishop added. He recalled Pope Francis's call in the ncyclical "Fratelli Tutti" to be "peacemakers" and the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who "calls for peace and denounces all violence and horror in the world." "Every single member of our Church," the Archbishop hoped, "must remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in North Korea and feel part of the efforts toward reconciliation and unity by reinventing the sense of solidarity based on fraternity." He concluded with the hope that "our Church will take the initiative to overcome hostilities and promote mutual respect and understanding." The committee's vice-chairman, Fr. Chung Soo-yong, said: "Over the past 30 years, we have taken two steps forward and one step back: With the Gospel in mind, we must therefore find the strength to overcome divisions and conflicts and work for peace on the Korean Peninsula." He added: "In the international context, given the armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Iran, it is fundamental that the Korean Peninsula, which has been divided for more than half a century, lays the foundations for peace." Father Chung concluded with an appeal to the new generations: “Young people must now take the initiative, with discussions and activities on the practice of peace, also with regard to World Youth Day 2027." In this spirit, the Archdiocese of Seoul organizes an annual youth pilgrimage to the demilitarized zone on the border between the two Koreas, entitled "The Wind of Peace." Launched in 2012, the initiative, aimed at young people around the world, will take place next month as part of the Jubilee Year. Participants will walk along the border, also dedicating themselves to meditation and prayer. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)