Written by KOR SocCom
Seoul, Korea, 8 December 2024 -- During the concluding Mass of their Advent retreat, the Salesian Cooperators Korea (Coordinator: Laurentius Shin Tae-heung) joyfully celebrated the commitment of 14 aspirants making their Promises.
The Korean Province of Salesian Cooperators upholds a cherished tradition of holding a promise-making ceremony during the concluding Mass, marking the end of their annual Advent retreat. This year, the retreats and promise ceremonies took place at the Salesian Education and Pastoral Center in Jeongnim-dong, Daejeon, and at the Isidore Youth Center on Jeju Island.
In Daejeon, the retreat and promise ceremony was held over a one-night, two-day period during the first week of Advent (November 30 - December 1). Approximately 190 participants attended, including cooperators, SDB delegators, and FMA delegates from 22 local centers across the country. Under the theme "Journey Towards Hope," 12 new cooperator members made their promises during the concluding Mass. Additionally, a special celebration was held for six cooperators marking the 25th anniversary of their promises.
Meanwhile, the retreat and promise ceremony in Jeju took place during the second week of Advent (December 8) at the Isidore Youth Center. A total of 25 participants, including cooperators and SDB and FMA assistants from three centers in Jeju, gathered under the same theme. Two new cooperators made their promises during the concluding Mass.
Fr. Marcello Baek Kwang-hyeon, the Provincial present at the Advent retreat and promise ceremony in Daejeon, emphasized in his lectures and homily, "Let us become beacons of hope for those facing hardships in the world, especially for marginalized and abandoned youth, by living faithfully in the present moment."
Fr. John Bosco Park Hae-seung and Sr. Gertrude Kim Seong-min, National Delegates of the Association, along with members of the national council, planned and conducted this retreat, sharing a time of grace with all attending Cooperators.