Marking half a century of missionary service, the Korean Missionary Society gathered at Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 26, for a Holy Mass celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The event brought together clergy, missionaries, and the faithful to honor the Society’s enduring commitment to evangelization and global outreach.
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which was attended by prominent church leaders, including Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom and Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the Apostolic Nuncio to Korea.
Delivering a message from Pope Francis, Archbishop Gaspari highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel across diverse cultures.
A symbolic procession showcased the Society’s global reach, with representatives from the nine countries where its missionaries serve—Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Mozambique, the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States—walking together to honor their shared mission.
In his message, Pope Francis extended his spiritual closeness to those gathered, urging them to give thanks for the many graces received over the years.
He encouraged the missionaries to embrace “a renewed missionary zeal that overcomes cultural barriers and religious indifference by preaching ‘more effectively the truth of the Gospel in a specific context, without renouncing the truth’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 45).”
Expressing confidence in the Society’s mission, the Pope emphasized that their work would continue to lead people toward a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.
He entrusted the Society to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and imparted his apostolic blessing, describing it as “a promise of wisdom, strength, and joy in the Lord.”
The golden jubilee served as both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to missionary work, reinforcing the Korean Missionary Society’s enduring commitment to spreading the Gospel and fostering unity in faith worldwide.
