Seoul, Korea, 9 December 2022 -- On November 27, the first week of Advent, the Korean Province of the Salesian Cooperators (Provincial Coordinator Andrea Park Man-shik) held an annual Promises ceremony for their 23 new members in the Salesian community in Jeonglim-dong, Daejeon city. In particular, this year's newly promised members conclude more than 3 years of aspirantate through their monthly local center meetings, online and face-to-face formation sessions, even amidst the difficulties of Covid.
The promise celebration was held during the Advent recollection final Eucharist at the Salesian Daelim Retreat House for Salesian Cooperators from all over the country.
Among the newly promised Salesian Cooperators were 11 from Seoul and Suwon (the metropolitan area), 4 from Daejeon and Taean (central area), 6 from Gwangju (southwest area) and one new member each from Busan (southeast area) and from Jeju island. After their promise and signatures, followed an official welcome with presentation of the new members from all regions of the country. As a matter of interest, 3 out of 23 new members have parents or one of their parents as a Salesian Cooperator, and they set an example of walking the path of vocation as a Salesian cooperator from one generation to a new generation, deeply moving all the recollection participants.
After congratulations to the new ASC members, during his homily, the Provincial Fr Timothy Choi Won-chul, SDB said, "As Salesians you should do your best even in the ordinary things your perform in ordinary life, practice small virtues, and stay awake." He stressed also the importance of practicing the Salesian spirit in everyday life as the deepest meaning of their vocation.
The Korea Province of Salesian Cooperators keeps the tradition of their promise celebrated during the annual Advent recollection. Due to the pandemic restrictions in past 2 years this recollection was held in Seoul in one day. So after 3 years this important formation and spiritual event was held for two days and one night in Daejon Salesian Retreat house (November 26-27). On the other hand, for the Jeju island members the same recollection was held on December 4 in the FMA retreat house in Jeju, St Isidor Center.
This year's Advent Recollection with the theme 'Do everything with love', was attended by a total of 191 Salesian Cooperators in two venues (173 in Daejon and 18 in Jeju island). Main talks were focused on the meaning of Advent season and deepening of Salesian Spirituality. Communion among the members was strengthen by a joyful Eucharistic Adoration and a good time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The whole program very carefully planned and accompanied by the dynamic and united members of the ASC provincial council.
At present there are already more than 700 Salesian Cooperator Association members and more than 100 ASC Aspirants in Korea, grouped in 28 local Centers with some of them organized in more than two 'teams'. The 12th Provincial Council is accompanied by the SDB delegation Fr Bosco Park and FMA delegate Sr Getrude Kim.
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