Marian devotion
The Catholic Church of Ochang, in the diocese of Cheongju, is placed under the patronage of the Annunciation of the Lord. In this mystery, the Son of God becomes man through the work of the Holy Spirit and Mary responds freely with her yes. The community, founded in 1993, built with shared effort the temple dedicated in 2003.
Official sponsorship: The Lord's Annunciation.
Temple: 오창성당 · Ochang Catholic Church.
Address: 20 Jangdaegil, Ochang@@
Parish Foundation: August 5, 1993.
Dedication of the present temple: 1 April 2003.
Jurisdiction: The diocese of Cheongju, district of Cheongwon.
Dependent communities: two, according to the episcopal directory.
verified diocesan coordinates: 36.74263317487, 127.45349375366.
A mystery of the inseparable Lord of Mary
The Korean name can be literally translated as "an announcement of the birth of the Lord," but corresponds to the Annunciation of the Lordheld on 25 March. It should not be confused with the Nativity of the Lord, held on December 25.
The Annunciation is first and foremost a Christological solemnity: it proclaims that the Word truly assumed our humanity. At the same time it has an essential Marian dimension, because it includes the listening, faith and free consent of the Virgin.
The joy of the Incarnation
John Paul II presented the Annunciation as a source of joy because in it the fulfillment of the promise begins in a visible way: God enters human history and becomes close.
The dignity of each person is illuminated by the Incarnation. No one is a figure, a burden or a tool; every life deserves care, truth and concrete love.
The Free Self of Mary
Mary asks, listens and answers. Su fiat It is not passivity or blind obedience to another human being, but conscious surrender to God.
That is why this devotion can never be used to impose decisions, silence abuses or demand submission. Faith honors the conscience, responsible freedom and dignity of those in need of protection.
The Holy Spirit and human cooperation
The catechesis of John Paul II highlights the action of the Holy Spirit and the unique cooperation of Mary. Everything is grace, but grace does not nullify your personal response.
Ochang can contemplate in this mystery a community life form: to receive God's gift and to respond through service, honest work and attention to those who are alone.
Foundation of the parish
The Korean Episcopal Conference records the foundation of Ochang the 5 August 1993. The diocesan page and other Catholic directories confirm their identity, domicile and membership of Cheongju.
The public sources consulted do not yet require which mother parish was separated from or the detailed circumstances of the foundation. That lagoon is openly declared not to turn a conjecture into history.
Build the new temple together
Una crónica de Catholic Times documents that the works of the new temple began 30 May 2002 and that the dedication was held 1 April 2003.
The building, about 420 pyeng, gathered liturgical space, classrooms, large meeting room, living room, dining room, office and priestly residence. The distribution shows a community designed not only for mass, but also for formation, encounter and mutual care.
Soap to hold the work
According to the same news, the parishioners made and sold soap to wash in order to raise funds. They also personally sought materials and equipment to reduce costs.
The data retains the memory of many small contributions. A responsible ecclesial work must value that sacrifice, be accountable clearly and not put economic pressure on those who cannot collaborate.
A church in Ochang
The temple is located in Jangdae-gil, within Ochang-eup and the current Cheongwon district, in the city of Cheongju. Its location allows families in a territory where ancient cores and urban growth live together.
The Annunciation invites you to listen before you act. An attentive parish can welcome both deep-rooted neighbours and those who come through work, study or need.
The current community
Official sources consulted provide close but not identical figures: the board of the Episcopal Conference records 1.740 fieleswhile the diocesan file shows 1.757. The difference can respond to different update dates.
The episcopal directory also records two dependent communities. Separate pages or markers are not created for them until they individually verify their names, addresses, continuity and patronings.
Listen to families
The announcement of Jesus' birth makes prayer for mothers, parents, children and those who expect a birth especially close. Christian accompaniment must offer material and emotional help, competent health care and full respect for consciousness.
No one should face fear, poverty, gestational mourning or family pressure in solitude. True charity listens to the concrete situation and avoids both abandonment and coercion.
Work, training and community life
The classrooms and rooms of the temple remember that evangelization includes learning, talking and discerning. The training must protect vulnerable children and adults, be responsible and establish safe channels to report any harm.
The cooperation that the church raised remains fruitful when it respects rest, job safety and the value of every task, visible or hidden.
Prayer for peace in Korea
The word announced to Mary is a word of peace, but not of escape. The Korean peninsula needs patient roads of reconciliation, freedom, protection of separate families and respect for the truth.
To pray for peace means to reject hatred for peoples and, at the same time, not to ignore the violence, repression or suffering of the victims.
verified location for the map
The diocese of Cheongju places the parish in 20 Jangdae-gil and provides the point 36.74263317487, 127.45349375366. These coordinates have been preferred to general estimates of search engines.
The marker corresponds to the parish temple of Ochang. It does not represent all Ochang-eup or the two dependent communities mentioned by the directory.
To visit and pray
Before you go it is appropriate to confirm the schedules with the diocese or on the official phone, 043-217-3690because they may vary.
In the face of the mystery of the Annunciation, Luke 1, 26-38 can be read and a ten of the rosary pray for those who must make a difficult decision, for families and for peace in Korea.
Prayer to Mary in the Ochang Annunciation
Virgin Mary, a woman of listening and Mother of the Incarnate Word, accompanies the community of Ochang. Teach us to receive the word of God with intelligence, freedom and trust; bless families, those who wait for a child, the workers and those who quietly support the parish. It protects every vulnerable person and opens up paths of truth, reconciliation and peace for Korea. May our yes be humble service always following Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.
Sources consulted
- Korean Episcopal Conference: Ochang's official record.
- Good News Catholic: corroboración parroquial.
- Diocese of Cheongju: a chart and coordinates of the temple.
- Love Catholic: directorio complementario de Ochang.
- Catholic Times: dedication of the temple and collaboration of the faithful.
- St. John Paul II: the joy of the Annunciation and the Incarnation.
- St. John Paul II: the Holy Spirit and the free cooperation of Mary.
- Mapping tested by name and address.
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