austraLasia #3051

Korean SDB missionary to PNG ordained in Seoul

 SEOUL --  “I give thanks to my parents who have prayed for me and accompanied me towards my ordination, also to the all confreres in Korea who have dedicated so much effort in preparation for today’s celebration of my priestly ordination. I pledge, as a son of Don Bosco, to live the missionary life and never be ashamed.” Fr Stephen Jihoon Yoo , newly ordained, said as part of his vocational testimony and commitment.

Sat, April 14th at 2:00 pm, saw the Mass of Ordination celebrated on the 7th floor of the provincial house in Seoul. The Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul Archdiocese, Bishop Basil Jo, was the ordaining prelate. Some 500 people attended, among them the newly ordained’s parents and members of various Salesian Family groups, youngsters, lay people from his original parish, located in the northern suburbs of Seoul City, and many friends. Two special guests were also present -  from the northern Philippines Province, Fr Vitaliano Dimaranan,  provincial representative from FIN to which the new ordained belongs, and Fr Rafael Galve, the Superior of the PNG Delegation where Fr Stephen will realise his apostolic life as a missionary.

This year there have been two priestly ordination events in KOR province, the first on 24 January for 4 new priests and 5 deacons and today for this newpriest. It is a very joyful sign of God giving His grace to the Salesian Family in Korea to experience a flourishing vocational growth amongst the new generation.

The KOR Provincial, Fr Stephen Nam, thanked the newly ordained’s parents, not only for dedicating their son to Don Bosco’s mission but especially for allowing him to be a missionary 'ad gentes' far from Korea. The Provincial prayed that "this beautiful celebration may lead many generous young people seeking God’s call in their heart".

Fr Yoo completed his theological studies at Paranaque, Manila, over the past three years, during which he asked to be a missionary to PNG. For that reason he transferred formally to the North Philippines Province last year when he made his Final Profession. He will remain in Korea until the end of June for the first Mass in various houses of the Salesian Family Group and some priestly experience activities. Then will go to directly to VunaBosco in PNG where he has already been appointed.

Today’s ordination represents one aspect of collaboration within the East Asia-Oceania Region in sharing formation processes as well human resources. This is happening at Paranaque (FIN) and at Clifton Hill (AUL) in a particular way, but also through missionary exchange within the Region. It is an encouragement to more active cooperation and promotion of mutual sharing within the Region.