Marian devotion
In the Banwol sector, north of the industrial city of Ansan, a Catholic parish is dedicated to Holy Mary, Mother of God. The title confesses that Jesus, born of Mary, is truly God and truly man.
Advocation: Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Official Korean name: The Holy Spirit Maria · Cheonjuui Seongmo Maria.
Temple: 안산반월성당 · Ansan Banwol Catholic Church.
Address: 27-18 Geonjimi-gil, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do 15521, Korea of Sur.
Official Foundation: 14 September 1995
Jurisdiction: Catholic diocese of Suwon, Ansan district.
Coordinates checked: 37.3016716, 126.9054255.
Documented patronage
The Bishops' Conference of Korea Saint Mary, "Holy Mary, Mother of God," as patron of Ansan Banwol. A Catholic directory confirms direction, date and dedication.
The parish also maintains a community in Daum. The tab should not be confused with Ansan Santa María, who has different name, direction and patronage "Estrella del Mar" (Star of the Sea).
A parish founded in 1995
The official foundation was produced 14 September 1995, the date on which the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
It is not said that the liturgical feast determined the choice of the day, as the sources consulted do not explain it. The coincidence recalls that Mary's motherhood remains linked to the paschal mystery of her Son.
The meaning of "Mother of God"
Mary does not originate the divinity nor does she exist before God. He is called the Mother of God because the one whom he conceived and gave birth is the divine person of the incarnate Son.
The title protects the unity of Jesus Christ. There is not a human son separated from the Word, but a single Lord, true God and true man.
The confession of Ephesus
The Council of Ephesus confirmed the Greek title in 431 Theotokos"the one who begets God." The definition mainly answered a question about Christ.
By recognizing Mary's divine motherhood, the Church proclaims that God has really entered into history, has assumed flesh and shared the human condition.
Mother and disciple
The Second Vatican Council presents Mary moving forward on the pilgrimage of faith. His motherhood does not eliminate his listening, his freedom or the need to remain faithful.
From the Annunciation to Pentecost, Mary receives the Word, accompanies Jesus and prays with the community of disciples.
Mary conserves and meditates
The Gospel describes Mary by keeping events in her heart. Maternity includes memory, patience and ability to accompany processes that are not yet fully understood.
In a parish, this attitude inspires respectful listening to children, young people, older people, workers and newly arrived people.
A city built with migration
Ansan grew intensely with the industrial development of Banwol since the 1970s. People from different regions and later from many countries came to work and form homes.
This historical context does not demonstrate specific parish programmes. It does make it possible to understand the importance of the reception, integration and dignity of work in local life.
Maternity care
To call upon Mary as the Mother of God opens the community to a spiritual motherhood: to receive Christ and to recognize him in those who need company, food, listening or protection.
The maternal image never justifies taking all care of women. The whole Christian community is called to share that responsibility.
The Solemnity of January 1
The Roman Church celebrates St. Mary, Mother of God, on the first day of the year. The day is also linked to prayer for peace.
Starting the year under your protection invites you to bless time, take care of relationships and reject all violence within the family and society.
A local community
The episcopal directory records 1,247 faithful and no dependent station. The scale is smaller than that of large urban parishes, but each community retains an irreplaceable mission.
The figures can change and do not measure the depth of faith. Stable presence, prayer and mutual care are not reduced to statistics.
verified location for the map
The episcopal direction is 27 -18 Geonjimi-gil, Sanngnok-gu. Nominal mapping places the temple in 37.3016716, 126.9054255.
The marker corresponds to Ansan Banwol. The location of Ansan Santa María, a homonymous Protestant church and the city centre of Banwol has not been used.
To visit and pray
The community appears active, but the times may vary. It is appropriate to confirm directly by telephone or by means of parish notices before moving.
The visit can be offered by workers, migrants, mothers, children and families seeking to take root. Prayer can become a concrete act of hospitality.
Prayer to St. Mary, Mother of God, of Ansan Banwol
Holy Mary, Mother of God, keeps the parish of Ansan Banwol. Teach us to receive Jesus Christ, to listen patiently and to open our communities to those who come from afar. It protects workers and their families, cures divisions and makes us instruments of peace. Amen.
Sources consulted
- Episcopal Conference of Korea: official record of Ansan Banwol.
- Cylooks Catholic Directory: identity corroboration and patronage.
- The parish community of Ansan Banwol in Daum.
- Ansan City Council: history and development of the city.
- Second Vatican Council: Lumen gentium, capítulo VIII.
- Cartography used to verify the temple.
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