Priestly Vocations In Korea

63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations falls this year on April 26, the fourth Sunday of Easter, also called "Good Shepherd Sunday. The Catholic Times published an article on Vocations in Korea that examined the sharp decline in vocations.

The number of priestly vocations is falling so steeply that it is difficult to explain it solely by population decline. If this trend continues, a church where the number of priests is woefully insufficient compared to the number of believers could soon become a reality. On the occasion of the 63rd Sunday of Vocations on April 26, we examine the current state of vocational formation in the Korean Church and explore how to respond.

The number of young Catholic believers showed an overall downward trend. The number of priestly vocations plummeted even more sharply than the number of young believers. Why are young people not drawn to the life of a priest?

According to the "Statistics of the Catholic Church in Korea" from 2010 to 2024, the number of young believers showed an overall downward trend. The number of priestly vocations has also been steadily decreasing. 

Outside the church, the secularization of the younger generation is cited as the biggest factor. However, even within the church, it is pointed out that young believers do not find the 'life of a priest' itself appealing. Those working in formation and experts commonly believe that priests have failed to sufficiently demonstrate how to live happily within their ministry, and that this perception has been passed down to the younger generation. Ultimately, the decline in vocations results from changes in the environment outside the Church, while simultaneously raising the question of how persuasively the meaning and beauty of the priesthood are conveyed within the Church.

The Dean of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Seoul pointed out, “If clergy themselves cannot demonstrate that the priestly life is good and happy, the number of people who wish to become priests will inevitably decrease.” A senior researcher at the Institute for Youth Spirituality Ministry also stated, “Clergy, too, must show themselves living joyfully as believers to provide young people with an opportunity to discern their vocation”, adding, “In some cases, they disappoint by acting in the opposite way or displaying an overly authoritarian demeanor.”

Given the significant influence from outside the Church, the decline in vocations is somewhat expected.  “Because not only priestly vocations but also Christian faith itself follows a direction different from the logic of the world, it is inevitably subject to constant challenges and temptations from the world. In this context, as the number of believers decreases and the number of those practicing their faith declines, priestly vocations have decreased along with it.”

If this trend continues, the Korean church may follow a path similar to that of the European church. Notably, the French church has already been consolidating parishes since the 1970s due to a shortage of priests, and there have been ongoing instances of a single priest overseeing multiple churches.

However, there are also views that the future of the Korean Church should not be viewed unconditionally bleakly solely due to the declining trend. Rather, it is suggested that we look back at the "golden age" of priestly vocations in the 1990s, when they experienced rapid quantitative growth. 

The Director of Student Life at the Seoul Archdiocese Seminary stated, "At that time, the number of clergy had grown greatly, and there were just as many complacent and authoritarian priests. We need to view the decline in vocations as a sign of the times in terms of priestly formation and use it as an opportunity for renewal." He further remarked, "Now is the time to focus more on qualitative maturity than on quantitative growth."

This means that the decline in vocations should not be viewed merely as a "crisis of numbers," but rather accepted as an opportunity to reflect on what kind of priests the Church has raised and what image of the priesthood it has testified to. Those who work in formation emphasized in unison, "Priestly vocations can be revived when the Church fulfills its inherent mission."

Ubuntu: Humanity

Co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province, the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, and the Writers Association of Korea, a three-day world literary event aimed to spotlight literature’s role in promoting peace, coexistence, and human dignity was held at the DMZ (demilitarized zone between North and South Korea).

A professor in the department of English Language and Literature of a Korean university writes about her experience at the event in the Korean Catholic Times.

Since visiting the DMZ this past March for a world literature event, indelible images and words have lingered in her mind. It felt all the more real because the place where those who crossed over from a place rife with violence and death spoke of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace was the very site of our division—the DMZ. In that solemn land, she remembers the word: 'Ubuntu'.

Among the invited artists was Ismael Beah, a former child soldier in Africa. He was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, but lost his family at the age of 12 due to a civil war and was conscripted as a child soldier. It is said that around 10,000 children became child soldiers at the time. Beah remarks that in war, one “must learn how to deal with madness very quickly.” Having wandered through scenes of slaughter and revenge, learning how to kill and survive, he is rescued by UNICEF by chance and escapes the war. Attending a protective school, he quits drugs and learns the way back to being a child. Now a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Bea says, “Every child is a hope.” Bea, who now lives as a human rights activist and writer, was full of humor and had a wonderful low voice. At dinner, Louis Armstrong's song<What a Wonderful World> He sang it brilliantly. During the interview, Bea told the story of a boy soldier friend. He said that his soldier friend had both of his hands severed by the enemy. The soldier who cut off his friend's hands was also a boy soldier dragged to the battlefield. He was captured and came face-to-face with the one whose hands he had cut off. The friend whose hands were cut off asks, “Why did you cut off my hands?” The enemy boy soldier replies, “I was told that if I didn’t cut off your hands, they would cut off both of our hands.” What do you think the friend replied? “That’s a relief, at least your hands remain.” And this is the story of how he forgave the soldier who had cut off his hands. This unbelievable, vivid story struck me like a living illustration of one of the most difficult parts of the Bible to understand. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek also … Give to the one who asks, and do not refuse the one who wants to borrow.” It is a passage that always raises a series of questions. What made forgiveness possible?

The answer lay in Ubuntu. This word, which symbolizes the spirit of peace in Africa, means “I am because you are.” How many events in our lives are truly difficult to forgive? But still, in the end, as I faced the person speaking of Ubuntu and echoed those words, I said “Amen” in my heart. It is a phrase that brings one to their knees. If war reveals human barbarity most clearly, then the forgiveness of a child soldier reveals the greatness of humanity that barbarity cannot destroy. Ubuntu. Because you are, I am, and we are. Thinking of those suffering from war even now and hoping that children—the seeds of hope—will smile again, I scatter this newly learned word like a seed. Ubuntu, Ubuntu.

Harm done by Religious Cults

A Catholic University philosophy professor offers St. Thomas Aquinas's answer to "The Way to Happiness" and to the harm done by cults in the Korean Catholic Times. A religious group that has usurped God's place is a sin committed by 'pride' and is a serious problem in society.

Concerns regarding cults and heresies are constantly being raised. One of the most powerful tools they use to control people is "guilt." When messages such as "You are a sinner" and "If you leave the leader, you will perish" are repeated, followers doubt their own judgment and eventually come to cling to the leader's words. On the surface, they use traditional religious language regarding "sin, repentance, punishment, and atonement", but in reality, their structure is completely distorted. Thomas Aquinas's reflections on sin, which he discusses in detail in the 'Summa Theologica', reveal their fictitious nature.

Cults divert people's gaze from God and fix it on leaders and the community, causing them to drift away from God and reason. Pieter Bruegel's *The Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind*, depicting a blind guide leading a blind man into a pit.  A victim who has been reduced from a free personality to a manipulated object

For Thomas, sin is not merely a violation of social norms but signifies a rejection of reason and the eternal law, which are the supreme rules that should govern humanity, and a departure from the 'order of reason'.

However, in cults, the standard of sin changes insidiously. Outwardly, they speak of the will of God, the will of the Virgin Mary, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but in reality, the leader's commands and the group's rules become the absolute standard. Cults brand everything that violates these rules as disobedience, apostasy, and unbelief, defining it as sin. Victims suffer from unnecessary guilt for violating arbitrary rules set by the manipulator and come to trust the manipulator's voice more than their own rational judgment.

Thomas views sin as stemming from 'disordered self-love', placing its root in human free will. Sin is not a coerced act but the result of the misuse of free will; therefore, it is possible to hold individuals morally responsible. Sin is established only when a free person deliberately defies the order of reason.

However, cults condemn even unconscious fears or instinctive emotional fluctuations that a believer cannot control as mortal sins. The leader instills shame by continuously criticizing the victim, saying, “You are inherently wretched,” and darkens the victim’s reason by projecting images of hell and destruction onto their imagination. At some point, the victim is pushed into a psychological state where they feel they have no choice but to act in the way directed.

However, defining the natural emotional turmoil of followers as an act of atonement and turning them into 'emotional slaves' is a grave insult to human free will. This is because if the will did not consent to a 'chosen act' derived by reason, a sin cannot be established. Rather, the act of a leader who systematically destroys the freedom of others to bind them under their own power is, in itself, a grave sin that most clearly reveals rebellion against God's order.

Cults that impose distorted guilt… Destroying human reason while creating 'emotional slaves'.

Only discerning faith is the path to true happiness… We must reclaim grace and freedom through reflection and repentance. The Dual Structure of Sin: Departure from God and Conversion to Creature

Thomas understands sin in the tension between “separation from God” and “disordered conversion to the creature. Sin is not merely the act of committing a bad deed, but an internal diversion of direction in which one turns one’s back on God, the ultimate goal, and replaces that place with limited good (pleasure, wealth, honor, power, etc.).

Insomnia and Depression

In the Catholic Times, a pastor emeritus and Scripture scholar introduces us to King Antiochus IV, who suffered from insomnia and depression. 

Insomnia can begin at a very young age. It is not uncommon for newborn babies to toss and turn or be unable to sleep due to prolonged illness or their surrounding environment.  The child may become withdrawn, and eventually they may speak less and even their smiles may disappear entirely. 

Subsequently, depression naturally weighs down the inner self, causing thoughts, judgments, and internal and external growth and development to slow down or fail to occur properly.

The writer mentions suffering from insomnia for a very long time. As a result, he felt symptoms of depression arising. 

The Latin word 'insomnia' (not able to sleep originates from the Latin word 'somnus,' meaning sleep. Adding the prefix 'in' gives the opposite. 

When one suffers from sleeplessness for a long time, it is common for anyone to eventually become trapped in a depressed state of mind and struggle in life. In the Bible as well, we frequently encounter cases where people suffer from insomnia and depression.

The insomnia and depression suffered by Antiochus IV Epiphanes are considered a representative example found in the Bible. Sensing that death was approaching, Antiochus summoned his subjects and close associates and said, “Sleep is far from my eyes (insomnia), and my heart is broken with sorrow (depression).” (1 Maccabees 6:10) The English word 'depression' also originates from the Latin word 'deprimere,' which means 'to weigh down.'

Antiochus IV was the king who ruled the Seleucid Kingdom for 12 years, from 175 to 164 BC. He deified himself and gave himself the nickname "Epiphanes" (one who appeared as a god). It is said that, at the time, people, seeing his immorality and arrogance, mocked him behind his back, calling him "Epimanes" (one who went mad) rather than "Epiphanes."

He, who knew no bounds and sought to destroy the people of Judah, did not stop at deifying himself. “Great sorrow arose throughout Israel; the leaders and elders lamented, the young men and women lost their strength, and the beauty of the women faded away. … The earth trembled because of its inhabitants, and the whole house of Jacob was covered in shame.” (1 Maccabees 1:25-28)

Antiochus suffered from insomnia and depression as a result of occupying and plundering Israel, forcing them to pay tribute, and persecuting the Jews in various ways (see 1 Maccabees 1:36), and eventually met his death.

It is said that music and art, which purify and bless the mind and spirit, can be of considerable help in alleviating the gloom that keeps one awake at night. “Whenever the spirit sent by God came upon Saul, David took his harp and played it. Then the evil spirit would leave him, and Saul would be restored and at ease.” (1 Samuel 16:23)

Among those who read these words, there are likely some who are suffering from insomnia and depression. The writer prays that you may take a moment to catch your breath as you remember God, who does not turn away from your pain, is always within you.

Barbed Wire Cross

 

Seoul WYD Organizing Committee Launches ‘Barbed Wire Cross Project’… Creating a Giant ‘Cross of Peace’ from Scrap Barbed Wire from the DMZ was recently reported in the Catholic Times. 

The Seoul WYD Organizing Committee held the opening ceremony for the ‘Barbed Wire Cross Project’ in the courtyard of Myeong-dong Cathedral on April 12, marking the start of the journey to create a large barbed wire cross standing approximately 5 meters tall. The production of the barbed-wire cross is a spiritual project involving the faithful, jointly prepared by the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee and the foundation “Walking Together.”

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Seoul, chairman of the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee. He blessed the tools—hammers, anvils, and pliers—and prayed that the hands of all participants in the project would become instruments of peace.

In his homily, Archbishop Jung reflected on the significance of the barbed wire, explaining, “This barbed wire embodies the pain of confrontation, conflict, and violence that arose when the South and North—having endured the tragedy of fratricidal war during the Korean War—erected it to guard against one another and prevent the other’s approach or intrusion.”

He continued, “Just as the cross, which was an instrument of execution in Israel, became a symbol of peace, reconciliation, sacrifice, and love through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” adding, “I pray that this barbed-wire cross will take root in our hearts as we prepare for the Seoul WYD as a symbol of unity, peace, and love between North and South.”

World Youth Day Preparations 2027

The 2027 World Youth Day will be in Seoul, South Korea, as announced by Pope Francis during the concluding Mass in Lisbon.^] It will take place from August 3–8, 2027. 

National Assembly Approves International Cultural Event Support Act, WYD Preparations Proceeding Smoothly.

With the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day just over a year away, bills containing the basis for supporting the event are being proposed and passed one after another. The International Cultural Events Support Act was passed at the National Assembly plenary session on March 31. The bill was introduced by the Democratic Party of Korea, with 14 other lawmakers participating in its proposal. Explaining the rationale behind the bill, the lawmakers stated, "Since there is no law specifically tailored to international cultural events, there have been limitations in implementing related policies, which have relied on individual ministry projects or local government ordinances." They further explained, "Therefore, there is a need to clarify the responsibilities of the state and local governments to provide institutional support for the smooth attraction and hosting of international cultural events and cultural exchange activities." The bill stipulates the responsibilities of the state and local governments to provide institutional support for the smooth attraction and hosting of international cultural events and cultural exchange activities. Article 3 of the bill includes provisions stating that “the state and local governments shall establish and implement necessary policies and devise support measures,” and that “the state and local governments shall cooperate with each other and strengthen cooperation with the private sector to support the hosting of international cultural events.” The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is responsible for overseeing and coordinating policies on event hosting support.

A Representative from the Democratic Party, who participated in the bill's proposal, stated, "While it is regrettable that the bill was not processed as a special act supporting Seoul WYD, it is significant that the National Assembly cooperated across party lines to pass a general act." He added, "Although it is a general act, we will carefully examine every detail to ensure nothing is missing and continue to ensure that it achieves an effect comparable to a special act." He further noted, "As this event brings together a large number of people from around the world and transcends religious sects to address matters related to the status of the Republic of Korea, I expect broad understanding and cooperation from other religions as well."

  In addition, two related ordinance bills have been proposed in the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

The ordinance bill includes provisions defining the scope of support plans and implementation by the Mayor of Seoul and the Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. It also includes matters related to preparing for smooth operations, such as securing facilities, ensuring safety and maintenance, establishing cooperative programs, consulting with relevant ministries, and pre-recruiting volunteers. 

Director of Planning at the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee stated, "I am very pleased that the General Act on International Cultural Events has finally passed the plenary session." He added, "I hope the General Act is transferred to the government as soon as possible and publicly announced quickly so that there are no setbacks in supporting Seoul WYD." He further requested, "Please pray that the government and local authorities recognize the importance of Seoul WYD and work together to make it a safe and wonderful event."

Lessons from the Book of Jonah

A meditation on the book of Jonah in the Catholic Times. 

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amithai: ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it, for their iniquity has risen up to me.’” (Jonah 1:1-2) However, Jonah silently turned his back on the word of the Lord, went to Joppa, and boarded a ship of Gentiles bound for Tarshish. “He intended to go to Tarshish with the men to escape the Lord.” 

Meanwhile, the sailors and the inhabitants of Nineveh are busy preparing and taking action. When a storm arises, and life and death are in danger, the captain cries out to Jonah, who is lying in the hold of the ship in a deep sleep: “How can you be so deeply asleep? Get up and cry out to your God. Perhaps He will have mercy on us, and we will not perish?”  In this way, they act much more actively and appear to be in submission to God’s will more than Jonah does. Swallowed whole by a great fish amidst a violent storm, Jonah begins to pray to the Lord God with all his might inside the fish's belly. He has finally met the God of mystery. “I called upon the Lord in my distress, and He answered me”. During his prayer, Jonah realizes, “Salvation belongs to the Lord”.  Jonah learns two things through his experiences. The first lesson is realizing that even if he is paralyzed with fear and unable to speak because the mission he must proclaim as a prophet is too overwhelming, the Lord's word takes effect simply by his presence. Through Jonah, who became "half-mute" unable to properly convey His word, the Lord causes the sea, the great fish, the wind, and the sailors to all tremble. “They lifted Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and the raging sea became calm.”  Seeing this, “the men feared the Lord even more, and they offered sacrifices to the Lord and made vows.” 

Another teaching of the Book of Jonah is the revelation of 'God's universal will for salvation,' which states that the Lord God cherishes and saves not only His chosen people Israel but also the people of Nineveh, that is, Gentiles. “It takes three days just to cross Nineveh…”  “And there are 120,000 people who do not know how to distinguish between right and left…”  In the above examples, 'three days' is a number of fullness, and '120,000' is a symbolic number of salvation that transcends mathematical or statistical figures and highlights the Lord's universal will for salvation. Whenever I read the Book of Jonah, I feel an immeasurably warm and deeply moving human love. How touching it is that these "Gentiles" did their utmost to the very end to save Jonah, even in the midst of extreme circumstances. “The men rowed with all their might to return to shore, but the sea grew rougher and rougher, and they could do nothing.”  And what about the sailors’ cry to the Lord at that time? To make the best possible choice in a life-or-death crisis— “Oh, Lord! Please do not destroy us at the cost of this man’s life.”