South Korea Marian Advocations
The miracle of faith in the land of morning calm
South Korea has some 5.8 million Catholics, about 11 per cent of the population. Catholicism arrived on the Korean peninsula in 1784, when a group of Korean intellectuals were baptized in Beijing and returned to evangelize their own land. It is the only Church in the world founded by lay people, without foreign missionaries. Today, with 16 dioceses and a living and growing faith, South Korea is a beacon of Catholicism in Asia.
The youngest and most fruitful Church in Asia
In 1784, the young scholar Yi Seung-hun He traveled to Beijing, received baptism and returned to Korea to evangelize in secret. It is the only Church in the world founded by lay people. During the 19th century, more than 10,000 Catholics were martyred by the Confucian regime. The Pope Juan Pablo II He canonized 103 Korean martyrs in 1984.
The first Korean priest, San Andrés Kim TaegonHe was ordained in 1845 and beheaded at the age of 25. His mother was also martyred. Today the country has 16 dioceses, more than 5,000 priests and one of the highest conversion rates in the world. The Virgin Mary occupies a central place in Korean piety, especially under the asvocations of the Rosary, Fatima and the Immaculate Conception.
♪ Wonders and Marian anecdotes from South Korea
- The Korean martyrs (103 saints): San Andrés Kim Taegon was beheaded in 1846. Before he died, he wrote, "Be faithful to death." His mother was martyred nine days later. They both prayed the rosary. The shrine of Jeoldu-san It commemorates the place of executions.
- Myeongdong, sanctuary of democracy: The Myeongdong Cathedral (1898) was a refuge for pro-Democratic activists in the 1970s. The protesters took refuge in prayer to the Virgin as the tanks surrounded the temple.
- Our Lady of Naju: Since 1985, Julia Kim has reported apparitions in Naju with tears of blood and stigma. Miles pilgrim. Without the definitive pronunciation of the Vatican, popular devotion continues to grow.
- Explosive growth: The Korean Church is the most growing in Asia. Young people have special devotion to the Virgin of Fatima, with annual pilgrimages from Korea to Fatima (Portugal).
- The Rosary of cherry flowers: In spring, the faithful of Jeoldu- san pray the rosary under the cherry blossoms, tradition that unites natural beauty and prayer.
- The Virgin of Gyesan (Daegu): The Cathedral of Gyesan (1902) houses a mural of the Virgin with Korean and hanbok features, an example of Marian inculturation blessed by Pope Francis in 2014.
Seoul and surroundings
Our Lady of the Rosary of Myeongdong
Built between 1892 and 1898 by the French bishop Marie-Jean-Gustave BlancIt's one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings in Asia. In the 1970s, he was a refuge for activists against the military dictatorship. For its role in the defence of human rights it is known as the "cathedral of democracy." Pope Francis presided over a Mass for the reconciliation of Korea in 2014. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul.
"Our Lady of the Rosary of Myeongdong, pray for the peace of Korea and for all who seek justice.
Shrine of the Martyrs of Jeoldu- san
It rises on the hill where between 1866 and 1876 more than 200 Catholics were executed. "Jeoldu-san" means "mountain of cut heads." The shrine (1966) houses a museum with objects of the martyrs and a statue of San Andrés Kim Taegon. Every spring, the faithful pray the rosary under the cherry blossoms surrounding the enclosure.
"Holy Korean martyrs, reach us perseverance in faith to the end.
Virgen de Myeongdong
Image of the Virgin of the Rosary who presides over the main altar of the cathedral. Wooden size brought from France in the 19th century. He has witnessed the key moments in modern Korean history. Every 7 October he goes out in procession through the streets of Myeongdong, and the faithful touch his mantle for protection.
"Virgin of Myeongdong, Mother of the Korean Church, protects your people.
Our Lady of North Korea Fatima
Since the division of the peninsula in 1945, many South Korean Catholics have prayed for peaceful reunification. An image of the Virgin of Fatima in the Chapel of Peace of Imjingak (DMZ) is the center of prayer for the brothers of the north. A Mass for the reconciliation of the two Koreas is held every May 13.
"Our Lady of Fatima, pray for the peace and reunification of Korea.
Daegu y región de Gyeing
Inmaculada Concepción de Gyesan (Daegu)
Built between 1902- 1903 by the French missionary Florian DemangeIt is the second Catholic cathedral of Korea. Its red brick facade is neogotic adapted to the Korean climate. Inside, a unique mural shows the Virgin with Korean features and white hanbok, one of the first symbols of Marian inculturation in Asia. Pope Francis blessed the mural in 2014. Patron of the diocese of Daegu.
"The Immaculate Conception of Gyesan, Mother of Korea, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Rosary of Daegu
During the Korean War (1950-1953), the refugees found comfort in the rosary in Gyesan Cathedral. Today, the Brotherhood of the Rosary of Daegu is one of the most active in Korea. The image presents the Virgin with blue mantle and star crown, while the Child Jesus gives a rosary to the world.
"Our Lady of the Rosary of Daegu, pray for the peace and unity of Korea.
Naju
Our Lady of Fátima de Naju
Since 30 June 1985, Julia Kim (Kim Yunja) reports apparitions of the Virgin in her home in Naju. Blood tears have been documented in an image of Fatima, stigmas, conversions and cures. The Virgin of Naju, known as "the Crying Virgin," calls for prayer for world peace and priests. Without the definitive pronunciation of the Vatican, popular devotion continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world.
"Our Lady of Naju, Mother who weep for our sins, turn us and lead us to your Son.
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