Marian devotion
In the Gwanak district, south-west of Seoul, the Sillim Maria parish is dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Martyrs. The title contemplates the Mother of Jesus with those who gave witness to Christ until he gave up life.
Advocation: Mary, Queen of the Martyrs.
Official Korean name: Before and After Sungyojadeurui I can.
Temple: 신림성모성당 · Sinlim Maria Catholic Church.
Address: 12 Bongcheon-ro 18-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08753, Corea del Sur.
Parish Foundation: August 21, 1981.
Jurisdiction: Catholic archdiocese of Seoul, western region, district 13 of Gwanak.
Previous name: Bongcheon parroquia 1-dong.
Coordinates checked: 37.4869876, 126.9312068.
Patronazgo officially confirmed
The Episcopal Conference of Korea explicitly records Mary, Queen of the Martyrs, as the patron of Sinlim Maria. It also confirms its direction, foundation and membership in the archdiocese of Seoul.
The title does not automatically convert the temple into a martyrdom sanctuary, nor does it claim that there was a martyrdom. It is the spiritual patronage of the parish.
From missionary station to parish
The story published by the archdiocese's media places the beginning in September 1980, when about seventy people formed Bongcheon 1-dong station dependent on Bongcheon.
On 21 August 1981 it was elevated to parish. At that time he received faithful from several neighbouring communities and began to organize his own pastoral life.
The building of the temple
In 1982 the land was acquired and the construction process began. The new temple was blessed in November 1987.
The chronology differs the legal erection of the parish and the completion of its building; they should not be presented as a single event.
El nombre Sinlim Maria
The parish was called Bongcheon 1-dong during its first decades. In August 2009, following administrative changes in the names of Gwanak neighborhoods, it adopted the current name.
The incorporation of "Maria" helps to distinguish her from other parishes in the area and makes her Marian identity visible.
Mary by the cross
The royalty of Mary is understood from her union with Christ. In Calvary, he does not rule or impose himself: he remains faithful with his crucified Son.
He can therefore be invoked as Queen of the Martyrs. His maternal presence accompanies those who suffer by faith and every person unjustly persecuted.
The Korean martyrs
The Church in Korea was born and grew thanks to the testimony of laity, catechists, families, priests and missionaries who persevered during successive persecutions.
Pope Francis recalled in Seoul that his example does not belong only to the past: he calls for the defence of dignity, freedom and truth without adopting the violence of those who pursue.
Martirio without seeking suffering
Christian martyrdom is not to provoke death or to despise life. It is to accept the consequences of fidelity when there is no moral way out that denies faith or betrays others.
The Church must protect the threatened, report abuses and use legitimate means to preserve life. The value of a believer is not measured by how much pain he supports.
Report that generates responsibility
Honoring the martyrs requires the preservation of names and deeds with rigour. It also requires consideration of contemporary forms of persecution, discrimination and coercion of conscience.
Memory should not be used against other peoples or religions. It becomes fruitful when it creates solidarity with every victim of violence.
Service to the elderly
In 2010, a Catholic day centre for the elderly was opened within the parish. The media source notes that it sought to support those who needed care and to alleviate the burden of their families.
This service offers a concrete expression of patronage: fidelity is not only lived in heroic moments, but also in the patient care of daily fragility.
Religious life
The episcopal directory records the presence of the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. The data confirms the collaboration of consecrated life, without giving them specific functions that the source does not detail.
Documentary prudence allows you to recognize your presence without turning it into an imagined chronicle.
Pray for those persecuted
From Seoul you can pray for persecuted Christians and for every person punished for their conscience, origin or convictions.
The prayer must be accompanied by responsible information, humanitarian aid, refugee reception and human rights protection.
verified location for the map
The official address is 12 Bingcheon-ro 18-gil. The nominal mapping, corroborated by phone and plot, places the temple in 37.4869876, 126.9312068.
The marker corresponds to Sinlim Maria and not to a nearby trade that uses the name of the church as a reference or to another parish of Gwanak.
To visit and pray
The parish is active. It is appropriate to confirm the hours and respect the veneration, privacy of the elderly and community activities before going.
You can pray for those who are persecuted and take a concrete gesture of accompaniment to a vulnerable or isolated person.
Prayer to Mary, Queen of the Martyrs, of Sinlim
Mary, Queen of the Martyrs, guards the Sinlim Maria parish and the families of Gwanak. Hold those who are persecuted by faith and all victims of violence. Give us a humble fidelity, free from hatred, and a heart attentive to the greater and vulnerable. Intercede for the reconciliation of Korea and always bring us Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sources consulted
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