Renewal, reformation, being what we are called to be is an ever present
desire on the part of many. Seven religious groups Buddhist,
Protestants, Catholics and others began the movement for the members to live according to their own groups' teachings: like human beings, like religious people,
like government officials, like workers, like fathers, like mothers and
so
forth.
Doing what we are called to do
by our duties in society, giving an example to society with the hope
society will follow. Since over half of the Koreans have a religious
affiliation this would make a difference in society. The movement was
written up in the Catholic papers and also in the secular press
mentioning a diocese that in a general meeting, 461 priests promised
to carry out the proposal, the first group of priests in the country to
do so.
*They have promised to be faithful to their duties as priests.
*To be evangelizers to the best of their ability and live by the Gospel.
* Read the breviary devoutly and be an example of a prayerful life.
* Serve God's people.
*Will work for the unity and fraternal love among the priests of the diocese.
They have promised this in the presence of their communities.
They have also decided to help with a gift of about 1,000 dollars for
all the families with a third child, and for any third child 1,000
dollars for high school, and if accepted for college, another 2,000
dollars.
In surveys made to determine the first need for renewal within the church, the answer in first place was priests'
authoritarianism and clericalism. The response of the diocesan priests
is an understanding of this reality and an effort to bring about a
change. It was a surprise to many to see the response of the diocese to
the movement 'to live like we should'.
Dec. 8th begins
the Year of Mercy and the diocese has decided to set up a permanent
place for confessions, and next year in May, they will have a day for all
all couples with a renewal of the marriage vows.The response of the diocese has already moved another diocese to follow their example next year.