The ordination ceremonies instilled the biblical theme: “I hope in you, let innocence and righteousness protect me” (Psalm 25:21), The Archdiocese of Seoul, hosting World Youth Day 2027, now has 985 Catholic priests.
Seoul – South Korea (02/05/2024 17:00, Gaudium Press) The Archbishop of Seoul, Bp. Peter Chung Soon-taek, presided over the ordination of 16 priests and 25 deacons for the South Korean Archdiocese on February 1st and 2nd. Both ceremonies took place at Myeongdong Cathedral.
Of the 25 deacons, the formation of 21 were at the Archdiocesan Seminary, one at the ‘Redemptoris Mater’ Seminary, one from the Missionaries of the Word, and two Dominicans. Among the 16 new priests, 15 attended the Archdiocesan Seminary and one at ‘Redemptoris Mater’ Seminary.
Hope in God, innocence, and righteousness
The ordination ceremonies instilled the biblical theme: “I hope in you, let innocence and righteousness protect me” (Psalm 25:21). This verse from David’s Song contains the prayer of a person who responds to God’s call and advances towards Him,” explained Deacon Hwang Jun-ho.
The choice of the verse was made with the understanding that in the life of a priest, who is an instrument of God, there may be moments when he falters, but it is important for him to persist in the hope that he can overcome these difficulties with innocence and righteousness.
South Korea has 5,700 Catholic priests
The Archdiocese of Seoul, which will host World Youth Day in 2027, now has 985 Catholic priests, including Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul, the current Archbishop, and three auxiliary Bishops.
With over 52 million residents, of whom 11% declare themselves Catholics, South Korea has, according to the Fides Agency, more than 5,700 priests in 1,784 Parishes. In August 2014, the Asian country welcomed Pope Francis, who participated in the sixth Asian Youth Day.
Compiled by Christopher Hurst
