Ordinations and Professions in Korea Province Four priests, one deacon were ordained. Ordaining prelate was Bishop Cho Kiuman (Basilio).
Five novices made their first profession.
By Bros. Hilario and Caspellan
23rd January vigil of the feast of our patron, St. Francis de Sales. Four new priests and one deacon were ordained at the Seoul Provincial House by Bishop Cho Kiuman (Basilio), auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Seventy Salesians and other priests, families of the ordinandi and youths from various Salesian settings, FMA,SCG, Salesian family groups and parishioners numbering 2,000 attended the event.
The new priests are Frs.: Matthias Kang, Matthew Moon, Callistus Kim, and Leo Beon. The new deacon is Rev. Cyril Shim. Fr. Matthias Kang is a younger brother of Fr. Benedict Kang.
In his homily Bischop Cho congratulated Salesians for the gift of four new priests to the church, for their ministry in proclaiming the Word of God, and for giving a good example of Christ, poor and humble like Francis de Sales. He praised them for living the Salesian mission of being the signs and bearers of God’s love for the young. What matters is you’re a good priest whether you play good football or you sing well. “A good priest is one who prays, teaches people to pray and puts into practice what he prayed”, he stressed.
In his response Fr. Matthew Moon expressed his gratitude to his parents, brothers and young people who have accompanied them in their vocation journey. He asked everyone to pray for them in their mission to bring the joy of the gospel to the young especially the poorest.
Fr. Provincial, Fr. Stephen Yang in his address thanked the parents and families of the ordained for generously donating their sons to spread God’s Kingdom. He considered it as a grace from God as we celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Don Bosco. To the Salesian confreres for accompanying them with great affection in their growth as Salesians. To the Lord for sending examples of confreres, willing to work for the young especially the poor.
Early morning of January 23 five novices made their first profession for one year as sons of Don Bosco. They are Bros.: Stephen Kim, Michael Kim, Savio Kim, Jeong Marco, and Rafael Choi.