Choice for Life

The Bishops’ Conference Committee on Family and Life celebrated ‘Mass & March for Family and Life’ in Jeju City.The event was recorded in the Catholic Times.

Held under the theme: “Choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19), the event was attended by the Bishop of Jeju, chairman of the Family and Life Committee, along with committee members, priests in charge of family ministry from 10 dioceses nationwide, and volunteers from marriage mentoring programs, father and mother schools, and Teen Star.

That morning, approximately 500 participants gathered at the Lifelong Learning Center in Jeju City. Holding in both hands sports towels bearing the slogans “Respect for Life” and “Protection of the Unborn”. They marched approximately 4 kilometers to the Central Cathedral.

Members of the  Hallim Parish, Jeju Diocese, who participated alongside members of the parish mothers’ group, said: “Respecting the dignity of life is something so obvious, yet we often forget or overlook it in our daily lives.” She added, “I believe that only by participating directly and taking action like this can we ensure the preciousness of life is not forgotten.”

A  member of the Jeju Central Parish) said, “I’ve occasionally received education on respecting life at school, but this is the first time I’ve participated in an activity like this in person”, adding, “It was meaningful to see so many people join us—more than I expected.”  

After the march, participants celebrated Mass for the Family and Life together at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The bishop who celebrated the Mass emphasized, “The family is not merely a living space but a place where life is born and grows; therefore, the choice to value life must begin in the family. We must deeply reflect on whether our families are places that give birth to hope or places that are weary and closed off. The theme verse for this year’s event, ‘Choose life’ (Deuteronomy 30:19), is not merely a slogan but a choice that determines the direction of our lives.”