In the modern and contemporary history of Korea, Cardinal Kim was a living conscience and a cornerstone in the history of democratization. During his tenure, the Catholic Church of Korea became a respected religion despite the few members.
When we think of the shameful history of the Catholic Church, in the way they treated Ahn Jung-geun as a criminal, and during the Pacific War holding hands with the Japanese Governor General and helping in their war efforts, the changes in our church seem close to a miracle.
This year is also the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Independence (from the Japanese) Movement. Of the 33 members, no one was Catholic and the writer feels sick and confused remembering that fact.
Although understood that the Paris Foreign Missionary Society, the leaders of the Church at that time, did suffer from the aftermaths of the French Revolution, contributed much to the East Asian missions. However, we can't overlook that Bishop Mutel, the bishop at that time, his only focus was the saving of souls. He wrote in his diary that the seminarians who engaged in demonstrations during the March 1st protest were ruffians.
When the church does not participate in the suffering of the nation it will not be the light and salt of the world and will lose the respect of the citizens. The Catholic Church of Japan, which suffered persecution and produced countless martyrs, tolerated and was silent on worshiping the emperor. The public status of the church was greatly weakened. How then should the church participate in the suffering of the poor and oppressed people in the midst of history?
Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan did not ignore the suffering people in the midst of military dictatorship, but suffered with them and carried with them the cross. In his "authenticity" he had many sleepless nights on ways to express the unfairness in the live broadcasts against the government. His amazing leadership was accomplished in human agony, constant reflection and prayer.
The Second Vatican Council said in the first chapter of the Pastoral Constitution: "The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these too are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ." Cardinal Kim was an "adult" of God in our day who fully realized the spirit of the Council and embodied it in life.
Remembering Cardinal Kim has a meaning beyond the commemorative events in displaying his photographs and relics but a hope we can imitate his life and spirit among us today. "I have never thought of myself as a progressive or on the left during all the troubles. I only wanted to be with the poor, the suffering people, and the weak to protect their dignity "(Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan).
