Written by KOR SocCom

Gwangju, Korea, 21 October 2024 -- On 19 October at 2 PM, an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Salesians' presence in Korea, titled '70th Anniversary of the Salesian Charism in Korea', took place at the gymnasium of Gwangju Salesian High School, attended by over 300 members of the Salesian family and many Salesian middle and high school students.

The event was conducted in two parts. The first part featured a concert format with choir performances by the Salesian middle and high school students, brass band performances, an introduction to the biography of Fr Archimedes Martelli, the first missionary in Korea, celebrating his 40th anniversary of passing, songs from the Shinandong Salesian community, and a performance by the living hymns team ‘Seventeen’. The second part continued with a Mass presided by Archbishop Kim Hee-jung, the retired archbishop of the Gwangju Archdiocese and a past pupil of Gwangju Salesian High School.

The standout performance in the first part was undoubtedly the choir 'On a Beautiful Day in October' by the high school students, who had practiced diligently despite their busy school schedules. Their performance colored the audience’s hearts like the autumn leaves. The subsequent brass band performance by the middle school students of ‘Immanuel’ and the ‘African Symphony’ greatly elevated the event’s atmosphere. Notably, the conductor of the performance, Teacher Kim Hyun-cheol, who had been a member of the brass band while he was a student at the Salesian school over 20 years ago, remarked that among these students, someone would continue this path in 20 to 30 years. This reflection reminded everyone of Don Bosco's words that music is an essential part of any Salesian setting.

The praise team 'Seventeen', which has gained a reputation within the church, garnered attention with multiple songs praising God, particularly presenting a medley of precious hymns including ‘I Am the Light of the World’ composed by Fr Vincent Donati who was remarkable missionary in Korea for 18 years and now in Kenya, which significantly uplifted the atmosphere.

The second part proceeded with the Mass presided by Archbishop Kim. In his homily, he recalled his time teaching ethics at the Salesian school for a year during his diaconate, reflecting on the simplicity and joy of Fr Martelli, as well as his compassion and love for the poorest people. The archbishop defined Salesian education as ‘loving kindness’, stating that what truly moves children's hearts is not theoretical persuasion or material rewards, but the genuine feeling of being loved, which prompts them to change their lives in response to that love, drawing from his own school experiences.

The archbishop also emphasized the symbolic meaning of the 70 years and made a special request for the Salesians to prepare thoroughly for the approaching 100th anniversary. He also encouraged past pupils to embrace the pride of being past pupils of a school with significant international connections and to seek development in that aspect.

Fr Marcello Baek, the provincial, expressed special gratitude during the greeting after Communion to the Gwangju Archdiocese and the Missionary Society of St Columban for their unreserved help and support during the early days of the Salesians' presence in Korea (1954). He also shared deep affection and gratitude towards the priests who are past pupils of Gwangju Salesian High School and thanked all the Salesian Family Groups present. Moreover, he praised the efforts of Brother Bois Marino, the original author of the biography of Fr Martelli, ‘According to Providence’ published to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Br. Marino, who is also an Italian missionary like Fr Martelli, had spent several years collecting materials and reviving memories to produce this book, completing the biography of the first Salesian missionary to Korea, which was presented that day.

Although there were certain shortcomings in organizing the event amidst various difficulties, it is anticipated that many stories will continue to be discovered and shared regarding the Salesians' 70 years in Korea and their efforts to plant and spread the Charism of Don Bosco. Above all, today’s 70th-anniversary event was a time to reaffirm the blessings and love of God and to resolve that the dedication and sacrifice of countless Salesians, led by Father Martelli, for the youth of this land, will continue and develop.

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