Vocation Sunday in Korea

 

Last Sunday was Vocation Sunday the fourth Sunday of Easter also called Good Shepard Sunday. In the Diagnosis of the Times column of the Catholic Peace Weekly, the columnist gives the readers some words to ponder. At present, there are very few who want to become priests or religious. It is even difficult to find teenagers coming to Sunday school.

Although the birth rate has decreased and the school-age population has decreased, the number of believers has decreased even more sharply. The situation in seminaries is critical. Six Catholic seminaries across the country, are not even able to fill their quotas. Across the country, only 93 persons have enrolled in seminaries. Considering the number of people who drop out, the future of the Korean Catholic Church looks bleak.

Until the 1970s, the Korean church was dynamic. People gathered, and the church expanded. Young people lined up to go to seminaries. The decisive reason was that the Korean Catholic Church seemed to be thriving. As emphasized by Pope Francis, the church played the role of a "field hospital." Bishops and priests had to listen to all kinds of complaints and try to find solutions.

 

At Cardinal Kim Su-hwan's desk, there were piles of petitions and letters of request. Kim not only cared for people whose lives were in danger, like Pakistani death-row inmates but also fought for the release of unknown student activists. He did his best to become everything to everyone. The fact that the Myeong-dong Cathedral became a regular protest site was the result of the church members' desire to do something. For a while, the church was the Body of Christ.

Nowadays, there are many regrets. Most bishops tend to be faithful to their managerial roles. Some bishops' abilities are even evaluated like business managers. The apostolic groups that illuminated the church's identity have become sluggish and have been pushed to the periphery. The Catholic Labor Youth Association, the Catholic Farmers' Association, and the Catholic Urban Poor Association are examples. 

 

Even though poor people are being pushed to the sidelines due to the polarization of wealth, the gathering of people who hold good jobs or have a lot of property has been revitalized. The roles of doctors, lawyers, university professors, and unemployed people have increased. The ratio of Christians among members of the National Assembly is several times higher than that of the general population.

Is that why the lives of bishops and priests are also not the same as before? More and more people enjoy delicious food and play golf. For bishops and priests playing golf has become a common hobby.
 
Many problems can be solved if bishops and priests change their attitude toward life. Rather than eating and drinking good food and playing golf,  being zealous and putting your energy into truly carrying out the Lord's word and putting it into practice is necessary. If you live like that, no one won't follow you. The situation in which the Catholic Church in Korea has to worry about is the  sharp decline in the number of vocations which calls for our repentance.
 
Just like the song the  columnist sang when he was 20 years old, he has to confess and repent not lived up to his resolutions of the past. If we don't change now, we may face a more serious crisis in the future. Even today, believers will continue to pray for Vocations. Let us remember how the prayer ends: "Let us serve the church, the body of the Lord, and devote ourselves to our neighbors who desperately needs help and love."

Happiness And Its Connection With Forests

 

The Catholic Peace Weekly column on Trees and Forests by a professor in the department of Forestry introduces the readers to some health benefits that come from forests.

Thomas Jefferson of the United States insisted that "every human being has the right to pursue happiness" and that this should be specified in the Constitution. Even though ‘happiness’ is an abstract concept, the state must create the conditions to pursue it. Thomas Jefferson specifically declared: "I will make this country a better and safer place for our children to live in."  

Korea is a country that achieved economic development in a short period of time and is praised as the ‘Miracle on the Han River’. However, ‘in the end, did this kind of economic development bring us happiness?’  Rather, the gap between the rich and the poor and the resulting social conflict are increasing, and people suffer from a sense of relative deprivation. The suicide rate fluctuates between 1st and 2nd in the world, and the happiness index stays at the bottom among OECD countries.

The professor thinks the forests are an alternative solution to many of our country's problems. Korea's forests are a source of pride to the world. Over the past half century, Korea has become a country that has succeeded in restoring forests that the world envies thanks to the people who have planted and cared for trees on bare mountains. Currently, the lushness of forests in Korea exceeds the average of OECD countries, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes and praises our efforts as 'the only country that has succeeded in land reclamation since World War II'.

He has been studying for the past 40 years with an interest in how to use forests so that we can live happily. "Why are forests related to happiness?"  "How are other countries industrializing their forests?" Forests produce material forest products such as timber to make us live the good life in abundance, but also provide a pleasant environment. And that's not all. The forest is not only a place of leisure and rest for us, but also a welfare resource that protects our health. Recent studies have revealed that the quality and quantity of forests have a close correlation with the longevity and health of residents. In addition, it is revealed that it is related to the birth of healthy children. It is said that the more you come into contact with the forest, the higher your immunity, and efficacy in solving mental and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Now, we need to make good use of the health and happiness functions of forests and use them as resources to fundamentally solve our social problems. Korea has prepared a ‘healing forest’ for public health and created a ‘forest healing instructor’ system to carry out national happiness projects for each life cycle. (The Korea Forest Service has been creating and operating therapeutic forests in Korea since opening the first therapeutic forest in 2009) 

It is a desirable forest use policy, and he  thinks it is truly a forest policy for the people. If forests have contributed as a resource for national happiness and welfare, it is now necessary to develop these new values of forests so that they can be linked to new jobs and income for mountain owners and people who have contributed to creating dense forests. Only then will the welfare value of forests be widely spread among the people and people will be able to live a lively and happy life.

If we make good use of the health and happiness functions of the forest and prepare an efficient delivery system so that the whole people can use it well, it will be a fundamental solution to the problem of high suicide and low birth rate and medical financial burdens that inevitably arises in an aging society. Looking at various indicators, he thinks that forests are now positioned as a hope of the people. For example, more and more people want to work and live in the mountains. Apartments close to the forest are popular, and unlike before, young and competent workers use the forest as their workplace. Now, they want to develop the forest into an industry and a driving force that brings happiness to the people

Korean Catholic Statistics 2023

Both Catholic Weeklies featured articles on the results of the "Korean Catholic Church Statistics 2022"which show that the aftereffects of COVID-19 on believers' spiritual lives are still present.

According to the statistics, the pandemic has significantly decreased the vitality of spiritual life in general. The attendance rate for Sunday Mass, the most critical indicator of spiritual life, remained at 11.8% in 2022. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, but it is 6.5% lower than in 2019 (18.3%). This means that only one in ten believers attend Sunday Mass regularly. Similarly, compared to 2019 the sacraments have lost their vitality, with the baptism rate at 64%, the anointing of the sick at 74%, the confession rate at 65%, and the receiving of the Holy Eucharist at 69% compared to pre-pandemic.

According to the statistics as of December 31, 2022, the number of believers in 16 dioceses nationwide is 5,949,862. Compared to last year, there were 11,817 people, an increase of 0.2% as a percentage. As of the same time, the ratio of believers to the total population of 52,628,623 in Korea was 11.3%, a slight increase from 11.26% in 2021. Compared to 2021, the total population decreased by 104,077, but the number of Catholics increased by 11,817. Compared to the number of 5,914,669 believers in 2019, before Corona 19, it can be seen that the number is increasing little by little every year.

By gender, 42.9% (2,551,589 people) were male and 57.1% (3,398,273 people) female, the same rate as last year. The proportion of believers aged 65 or older accounted for 26.4%, clearly showing the aging phenomenon of Korean churches. Of the total believers, 3,326,925, or 55.9%, were from parishes in the metropolitan area (Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Uijeongbu).
The number of parishes (administrative districts where priests reside) increased by 5 from last year to 1784,
 

The number of priests increased slightly, but the number of religious and overseas missionaries decreased. The number of clergy in Korean churches stood at 5,703, up 77 from the previous year. There are 2 cardinals, 40 bishops, and 5661 priests (5515 Koreans and 146 foreigners).  In 2022, 96 parish priests were ordained priests, an increase of 3 from 2021.
 

The number of religious is 11,576, with 1,602 men in 48 religious orders and 9,974 women in 125 religious orders. 214 fewer than in 2021. 39 men and 188 women, a total of 227 trainees who put on a habit and prepare for religious vows for the first time, a decrease of 8 men and 56 women compared to the previous year.
 
The number of foreign missionaries also decreased. The total number of overseas missionaries was 1007, including 244 priests, 55 religious, 700 nuns, and 8 laymen, a decrease of 108 from the previous year. 

Statistics of the Catholic Church in Korea are based on the state of 16 dioceses, 7 Catholic University theological colleges, 173 male and female religious congregations, missionary and secular societies. Since the number and age of believers are based on baptistry and church register, it is different from the national "population and housing census" done  every ten years. This is more reliable on determining the numbers of Catholics still the individuals are asked and it is not a referral to the records of the parishes. The last government census was in 2015.

What the Elderly Can Do

 

 In the Catholic Peace Weekly, a religious sister, in her column on living a fulfilling senior life, gives some help on growing old gracefully.

When she asked the seniors at the Senior Citizens’ Center, "Are you living the kind of old age that you envisioned for yourself when you were young?" only one or two gave a positive answer. What she learned from them was that they never let go of their expectations and hopes for life regardless of their age.

Two years ago, she heard that an elderly man over 80 years of age had planned a pilgrimage to 167 holy places in Korea, showing her a book titled "Korean Catholic Pilgrimage." She thought that it was an impossible plan. When she met the man not long ago and asked how far he had carried out what he had planned, she was surprised to hear that there was only one place left. The elderly man added: "I am happy," smiled brightly, and continued, "This year, we are planning a walking pilgrimage from the northernmost point to Busan."

When asked: "Aren't there any people around you opposed, because of your age?" he also said that he did not even start many times because he was afraid that he would not be able to make it to the end. "It's okay if you don't reach the destination." Hearing the words: "If you feel like doing it and have grown, that is enough," gave him the opportunity to feel how lazy he was and made up his mind to start.

When you grow old, there are more worries and demands around you about "what not to do" rather than "what to do." They are told not to walk because there is a risk of fractures, not to get off the bed because there is a risk of falling, to eat less because it is troublesome to go to the bathroom, and to stay at home because it can be painful to go out. Elderly people say that life is becoming less and less fun and more boring because it is all about what not to do.

It makes the sister sad to see those who give up what they can do, conscious of the gazes around them. Although the things you can do are limited due to the limitations of one's physical strength called old age. If you do not do physical activity, the functions you have maintained gradually slow down. It is a great help to maintain the body by going for a walk and being able to move around in the sun as long as it is not too much.

There are cases in which people who used to be active stay at home without doing any outside activities as their legs and joints become weak. They become ashamed to walk with a cane. On the other hand, you have elders who, because of health, can't leave their beds and would care little of what others think if they were able to walk even a few steps. It is only natural that bodily functions decline with advancing age. When we acknowledge and accept our condition, we become free.

Religion And Politics

A journalist emeritus, in the Eyes of the Believer column of the Catholic Times, gives the readers some thoughts on a situation that arises often within the Catholic Community here in Korea.

#Case 1. "During a Lenten penitential service one of the women insulted some priests who she felt were involved in political activities. She felt ashamed seeing also those who were offering Mass on the streets or in public places and embarrassed even to enter the church. Even though the act of confessing one's own sins during the penance service does not involve judging or condemning others, the woman's behavior was strange. She continued to cause a disturbance and was eventually led out of the church by volunteers."
 

#Case 2. On the afternoon of April 10, Seoul Plaza in  Seoul. The National Catholic Priests’ Association for the Realization of Justice and believers held a prayer meeting for the current situation and chanted: “Down with the pro-Japanese prosecutorial dictatorship regime and restoration of sovereignty.” However, the next day, there was a little commotion in the Catholic journalists' chat room. When the person who went to the site posted related news, a few photos, and a short message, several people left the chat room. A Protestant pastor's ultraconservative views evoked discomfort and they left. Then the objections followed. "I think there will be less resistance if we think of it as news we need to know or a trend within the Catholic Church."

The above two incidents happened right after Lent and the Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord this month. First of all, the writer came across the penitential incident from a priest's post on Facebook and was shocked to see it.  Despite her personal views, the woman did not observe even the minimal manners of a believer. Actions that would be seen at a rally or demonstration were committed without hesitation in a church where a sacrament was held. However, the seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that such believers are increasing in parishes. It's sad to see this happening in the Catholic Church.
 
In the second case, political inclinations are divided even within communities of the same faith. The silent majority simply does not reveal their color. There is a saying to avoid discussing politics and religion when a large group gathers. This is to prevent wasteful disputes and conflicts. However, religion is an exception in gatherings of believers, so political issues sometimes become a topic of discussion. Each time, a subtle war of nerves breaks out depending on whether the  conservative or progressive are in the lead. On one side, there is a concern that issues outside of faith may damage the church community, and on the other side, there is an emphasis on the unity of knowledge and practice.

"Let's broaden our thinking beyond political differences. Does a life of faith end within the boundaries of the church, or can we also show interest in the world outside? The answer to this question can be found in the 'Social Doctrine' and the Second Vatican Council. The Social Doctrine deals with various topics, such as the rights of workers, economic justice, the responsibilities of individuals and the state, environmental issues, and calls for proactive action."

Is it enough to believe in oneself and accumulate good karma to be saved? No. The essence of the church  believes in the gospel and follows the Lord in community. The church must also turn its gaze into the world. That is the will of God who created the world. The same is true at the level of evangelization. Love of neighbor as much as love of God is the core teaching of the Bible. The same goes for protecting the earth, a common home suffering from the climate crisis.

May is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a time to imitate the virtues of the Blessed Mother, the model of believers. There is no need to turn our backs on others with whom we disagree and fight over differences in political views within the same faith. Let's accept each other's differences and diversity as we are not the same in terms of personality and way of thinking. He hopes that we will recognize that these difficulties or happenings are trivial in the big picture. Let's seek the mercy and grace of God who wants to lead us to salvation, and let's cultivate consideration, respect, and tolerance for others.

Faith Compass

 

These days, there are many more interesting things than the life of faith. In the Light of the World Column of the Catholic Times, the priest columnist faces the weakening and loss of faith. Attitudes towards life that take faith seriously and efforts to deepen faith life seem urgent. 

 

"Generally, if people say that they are believers, they may think that from the day they are baptized, all doubts disappear and their hearts be at ease. But there is no such thing. Everyone wanders the same and suffers the same. The only difference is that there is someone who remembers my wanderings and suffering." (Endo Shusaku 「My Jesus」)

Let us talk about our life of faith. Are you doing well in your faith life? Are you living with the Lord with the fervent heart you had at baptism? Or, conversely, are you too busy to go to church and have little time to pray? Is your faith life going through a crisis wondering what meaning the life of a Catholic has in the world these days?

 

If it is the former, I would like to advise you to cultivate your faith more with a humble heart rather than a complacent heart, as the dark night of the soul may come someday at which time to remember that life is difficult to predict and the problems may be a blessing in disguise for a deepening of the faith. And if it's the latter, I would like to tell you that just as our lives go through puberty, there can be such a process, and rather, we can meet the Lord through times of crisis. And whether it's the former or the latter, the most important thing is deepening our faith life.

  

What are you doing? To put it bluntly, these days there are many more fun things than faith, so faith life activities have decreased for many. 'TV, Internet, Sports, Videos, overseas travel, and delicious food' are all more fun than the church, prayers, and reading the Bible. In short, interest in faith has waned, and therefore, attitudes toward life that take faith seriously and efforts for faith seem urgent.

 

The social doctrine of the Catholic Church is not simply a knowledge of society. The social doctrine that flows from God's love is knowledge enlightened by faith. 

Faith fills us with fundamental power and grace. There are many things in society. Exposed to this, we discuss our thoughts and feelings. When a political issue appears on TV, we analyze it like an expert and give our views. What is often regrettable is the faith point of view is missing. Here, faith extends to the fruits of faith such as forgiveness and reconciliation, love of neighbor and brotherhood, kindness and consideration, and listening and respect. 

 

Society and the world will not change easily. Disappointments, stifling competition, conflicts, and divisions will not be easily resolved. But we must keep our faith. Why? This is because true faith is the power to save human beings and prevents the division of the community. Also, it is only through true faith that human beings and society do not lose their way, and the teaching and power that makes human beings true human beings is the very faith in God.

 

"From a liberating faith in God's love, there arises a new vision of the world and a new way of approaching others, whether the other is an individual or an entire people. It is a faith that transforms and renews life, inspired by the peace that Christ left to his disciples. Moved solely by this faith, the Church intends to promote the unity of Christians and fruitful cooperation with believers of other religions. Differences of religion must not be a cause of conflict; the shared quest for peace on the part of all believers is a vital source of unity among peoples" (Social Doctrine,516).

 

 

Complex Situations Need Complex Countermeasures-

 

In the Diagnosis of Current Events column of the  Catholic Peace Weekly a university professor provides his thoughts on the current crisis.

The writer has contributed to this page since June of last year, and looking at the articles there is some consistency. First, he tried to emphasize that today's world situation faces a complex crisis. Additionally, South Korea's diplomacy should avoid simple solutions based on partisan perspectives as much as possible.

To paraphrase German Chancellor Scholz, the world is at a turning point (Zeitenwende). The era of post-Cold War and globalization, in which optimism for peace and prosperity prevailed, is over and the ‘return of geopolitics’ is taking place. Strategic competition between the US and China is accelerating, and the war that started with Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. On the Korean Peninsula, the risk of conflict is growing as North Korea is preoccupied with nuclear and missile development and  South Korea's  dialogue with North Korea has been cut off for years

The global economy, which was viewed from the perspective of globalization, interdependence, and international cooperation, now tends to be approached from the standpoint of security. So-called "economic security" has emerged as a significant area of contention in international politics. In particular, in key industries such as semiconductors and batteries, which will determine future national competitiveness and the world's balance of power, the global supply chains are being reorganized according to political logic. For the same reason, strategic competition surrounding cutting-edge science and technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computers, has also intensified.

Climate change and pandemics require international cooperation, but cooperation is slow and insufficient. Climate experts agree that a climate catastrophe cannot be avoided if global temperatures rise by 1.5 °C, but the prevailing view is that the 1.5 °C Maginot Line cannot be maintained.

Indeed, a complex crisis is something that we have to deal with presently. However, it was said that it was a transition of the times, but where it is headed is close to clueless. So some say it's an era of hyper-uncertainty. The need for a complex response has grown amid signs of crisis and challenges being raised simultaneously.

Of course, complex responses are not as easy to find. The logic of politics favors clarity. Politics is composed of the ruling party and the opposing party. Policy, including diplomacy, is often presented as a matter of choosing between two opposing sides. Public opinion knows this dichotomy. Even the problem of each choice is recognized as a matter of goodness and evil in connection with moral justice. In this framed question, an intermediate answer that is neither this nor that is immediately treated as a politically incorrect answer.

However, various gray areas cannot be grasped through clarity alone. Today's world situation is especially challenging for there are many shades of gray between black and white. While the escalating 'cold war' confrontations continue. The lack of clarity in foreign policy causes us to obsess over simplistic prescriptions.
 

However, this only hinders complex searches for solutions. Of course, it takes a lot of effort to find a combination of method and formulas. Not all good things are attainable, and some things must be sacrificed to get something. Therefore, it is critical to set goals and priorities through public debate and opinion gathering and establish and implement strategies to achieve them. Living in a period of uncertain transition requires patience and care.