RE:• 추모사^

[피터제갈]

[Farewell Address] In memory of Brother John, who practiced justice with fiery faith.
Date: January 4, 2026
Written and read by Peter Z
Jaekal Peter

Praise Jesus.
Today, we have gathered at the heartbreaking moment of sending off Brother Lee Cheol-jong and John, who have been a reliable pillar of faith by our side, to the kingdom of God. As a longtime friend and fellow in faith of the deceased, I stand here today to offer my final farewell to my brother with all of our hearts.
On the first day of the new year, responding to God's call.
On the evening of January 1, 2026, at a time when the whole world was excited with the dawn of the new year, Brother John, after years of arduous battle with illness, joyfully responded to the Lord's call. In his late 70s, even as his physical suffering deepened, my brother never once resented the Lord or let go of his faith. Rather, they silently endured the pain, accepting it as the mystery of the cross.
It is such a sudden and sad farewell for us, but I believe that Brother John perhaps chose the cleanest and most sacred first day of the new year and took his steps toward the land of eternal rest. Now, in that place where there is no longer the pain of illness or the breathless struggle, my brother will be enjoying peaceful rest.
2. Devotion to the community and the true leader of the Legion of Maria
Brother John Cheol-jong Lee left behind the scent of faith wherever his steps took, not only at our Auckland Korean Catholic Church but also at the local churches of St Thomas More and Mairangi Bay.
Especially, the passion you showed during your years as the director of the Legion of Maria is deeply etched in our hearts. As the leader, you were not just a leader who led the organization. He was a true Virgin Mary soldier who held the hands of the members from the lowest point and ran to wherever prayer was needed. Your brother's strong sense of responsibility and high devotion were like an anchor that kept our community in our midst whenever it faced difficulties.
3. Completion of apostolic ministry towards justice
The Brother John we remember was truly an upright and just person. When he witnessed any injustice or irrationality within the church community, he chose the hardship of action over the comfort of silence.
As a vanguard of faith, he volunteered to serve as a bridge connecting above and below, and he even demonstrated the courage to report directly to the bishop when necessary, striving for the proper order of the church.

This was not for personal honor but an earnest practice of apostolic office, hoping that the church, the body of the Lord, would be preserved as holy. His bamboo-like spirit, which sought to uphold the truth without fear of criticism, resonates deeply with us today who live by compromising appropriately.
4. A pastoral ministry of harmony that transcends language and culture.
Brother John was also a master of communication with a broad mind. The close relationship built with local priests, including Father Raphael, has been a solid foundation for our Korean community members to confidently lead their religious lives in the local community. The brother's actions, who transcended language barriers and communicated with the locals solely through the common language of "Christ's love," were a beautiful example of what universal Catholic spirit is.

5. The family left behind and our resolutions
I offer my deepest condolences to my beloved widowed sister and their two daughters. I know that my brother was a strong apostle outside, but at home, he was a warmer and more caring husband and father than anyone else. To the bereaved families who are experiencing the greatest sorrow, Brother John, though his body is no longer by your side, will be with you as a guardian angel who protects your lives in a spiritual form.
Dear Brother John,
I will never forget the passionate times we celebrated Mass with you and shared while worrying about the community. We will now keep the task of the just apostolic position that you could not complete as our share.
There is a passage in the Bible that says, "I fought well, ran the way I was going to run, and kept my faith." (Timo 4,7). I think this very phrase is the most fitting medal for Brother John, who is returning to God today.
Brother, you've worked hard. Now, enjoy eternal peace in the Lord's embrace. When we meet again in the future, please welcome us with that kind smile.
January 4, 2026
Praying for the eternal rest of the deceased,
Peter Jaekal .

[피터제갈]

Eternal Rest grant unto John Lee /O Lord let perpetual Light shine upon him/ Amen°°°♡♡♡