Religion 16/11/05 Bishops connect with realities of life in South Korea - During field trips they met with young Catholics and refugees from North Korea

[성기화 요셉]

Bishops connect with realities of life in South Korea

During field trips they met with young Catholics and refugees from North Korea

November 10, 2016

As part of their annual pastoral experience program, Korea's bishops conducted several field trips during November where they met with young Catholics, North Korean refugees and visited a power plant.

The Catholic bishops' conference of Korea began the program with a trip to the Samdeok Church for Youth in Daegu on Nov. 5. The church, located in Daegu's crowded Dongsung-ro street, was dedicated to young people in 2008 and is focused on ministering to them.

Eight bishops including Bishop Vincent Ri Pyung-ho of Jeonju visited the church. During their one-day visit, they explored the workings of this unique parish, listened to the young people and celebrated Mass with them.

Under the title, "Liturgy and Discussion with Youth," the bishops examined the pastoral model of the church and shared their ideas about how to revitalize the ministry for young people in Korea.

The bishops also met North Korean refugees in Seoul on Nov. 7 and visited a steam power plant to examine its environmental effects in Dangjin, South Chucheong province on Nov. 8.

The Korean bishops' conference started the program in 2014 to help bishops connect further with the reality of life in the pastoral fields.

Related Reports

• South Korea produces 'soft preaching' booklets on Catholicism
• Koreans experience 'God's mercy' at World Youth Day
• More lay theologians recommended for South Korea