Singing Nicene Creed in Korean during the Year of Faith 2013

Transcription

1 DAEGU PRIORY NEWSLETTER DPN 358 Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Daegu Priory, KOREA January 2013 Singing Nicene Creed in Korean during the Year of Faith 2013 In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Benedict XVI declared in his Apostolic Letter, Porta Fidei, that a Year of Faith will begin on October 11, 2012 and end on November 24, 2013, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King. The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing Daegu Priory wish to share with all believers and non-believers the Church's Creed, by listening, meditating and singing together with one heart and mind the Profession of Faith in the Korean language. By singing together, we hope to be more united in Christ and intensify our faith in love to one another. God the Almighty Father, who wishes to save all men, may He lead all souls to Him through the sung Creed. The composition is an adaptation of the Gregorian Creed III by our Musician Sr. Emmanuela Suh, and one can read the composition, in English and Chinese as well as in Korean. Let us praise the Lord and sing together the Creed. Go to: 1

2 Sisters in Harmony Tuesday, January.1: The whole community kept vigil after singing Te Deum in thanksgiving to God for all blessings received during the course of year The Sisters took turns in pairs for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:30 p.m. in the evening of Dec. 31 to 6:00 a.m. of the following day, Jan.1. The intention of the vigil was unity and peace of the world for the upcoming New Year Tuesday, January.1: After the Holy Mass and a festive breakfast for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Jan. 1, the whole community including the Novitiate members and Junior Sisters gathered to exchange best wishes for the coming New Year 2013 at Ondol Room 1. The postulants, the novices, the junior Sisters and all perpetual Sisters greeted in Korean-style deep bow to the elder Sisters. Prioress Sr. Lumen Choi delivered an informal speech saying that 2013 is a snake year in the Chinese calendar. Snake symbolizes ambition, wisdom and affluence. If it s seen from a secular point of view, it can be misunderstood in a negative way, but in theological aspect it refers to the knowledge of God and oneself - as it says in the book of Sirach. Thus, we should take this opportunity to increase the knowledge of God in love for Him and for our neighbors, said Prioress Sr. Lumen Choi in the New Year Greetings. Thursday - Wednesday, Jan. 3-12: The 1 st Session of 8-Day Retreat was held at Benedict Spirituality Center from Jan It was facilitated by Fr. Romualdo Heo from Waegwan Abbey who gave spiritual directions based on the Rule of St. Benedict. 54 Sisters attended the retreat including 8 Junior Sisters who made their renewal of vows during closing Mass on Jan. 12. Thursday, Jan. 10: After serving the Generalate Staff for six years as a General Councilor in Rome, Sr. Maoro Sye returned to her home Priory on Jan. 10. She visited her family for a few days and participated in the Third Session Retreat held at B.S.C. She was elected to be a member of Daegu Priory Council and will take a period of one year for ongoing formation in the new community in Uljin. 1 Ondol means warm stone. It is a traditional Korean floor heating system used for centuries as a unique method of heating during winter season. Nowadays all houses and apartments contain its modern radiant floor heating system providing efficient indoor thermal environment. 2

3 Monday Wednesday, Jan : The 2 nd Session of 8-Day Retreat was held at B.S.C. on Jan Fr. Carlo Ho from the Order of Friars Minor was the spiritual director with 55 participants. Friday, Jan. 18: "Restoration of unity among Christians is one of the main concerns of the Church... and this task is for all of us. No one can claim exemption from this responsibility. Indeed, everybody can make some contribution, however small it may seem, and all are called to that interior conversion which is the essential condition for ecumenism." His Holiness, Pope John Paul II on May 30, 1982 Prioress Sr. Lumen Choi and 6 Sisters from Daegu Priory House attended the Ecumenical Worship Service for Christian Unity at Gyesan Cathedral in downtown Daegu on the evening of Jan. 18, hosted by the Korean Conference of Catholic Bishops. Representatives of various congregations, as well the President of the Episcopal Committee for Promoting Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, Gwangju Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong and Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla joined in prayer for unity among Christians. Monday, Jan. 14: Daegu Priory hosted the first 2013 Daegu & Seoul Priory s Joint Meeting of Two Korea- Reconciliation. The goal of the meeting was to set up and organize the agenda for this year. Sr. Amos Hwang and Sr. Stella So from Seoul Priory pointed out the need to keep sending rice aid to Wonsan despite the fact that the fractions are taken away on the way by the government in Pyongyang and other cities until it arrives its own destination. Therefore, a fundraising event was suggested to raise money in order to keep sustaining this project. Prioress Sr. Lumen Choi attended the meeting to encourage the Sisters and finalize the meeting with a prayer. Tuesday, Jan. 22: A Mission Send-Off Ceremony for Sr. Marie Bruno Shin was held on Jan. 23 during early morning High Mass in the chapel of Priory House. She was assigned to work at Casa Santo Spirito in Rome for the next four years. It s already her second time in Rome. She feels very happy to serve the international community in Rome. She departed the next day early morning. May our Lord grant all the blessings she needs to accomplish her task in Rome. : +Agatha Cho, Sr. Aquinata Lee s mother, who died at age of 91 on Jan Sr. Imelda Oh, from Seoul Priory. On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Sub-prioress Sr. Christina Moon and other Sisters of Daegu Priory House departed 4:30 a.m. from Daegu Priory House to Seoul in order to attend the Funeral Mass of Sr. Imelda Oh. She was one of the few Sisters left of Wonsan Convent to be taken to God s hands. Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen. 3

4 Prioress feast Day celebration Friday, Jan. 25: The upcoming events of Perpetual Profession Celebration of 3 Sisters, is scheduled on February 5 - St. Agatha Feast Day, and Korean Lunar New Year Festival Seol, will fall on February 10. Since these events would conflict with Prioress Sr. Lumen Choi s Feast day, which is on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the government of Daegu Priory decided to celebrate it on February 2, which is one week ahead, on Friday evening, January 25. This was also an occasion to commemorate the installation of prioress reelection. Many Sisters from near and far away houses, attended the celebration with gifts, congratulation cards, and short music performances. The celebration started with Divine Liturgy of Vespers in the chapel followed by a festive supper in the refectory and an official celebration in the basement hall. The postulants, the novices, and the junior Sisters presented their appreciation through a number of Olympic athletic rehearsals, popular computer dancing presentation, and synchronized swimming, respectively. It turned out to be a chance to see the hidden skills God granted to each Sister as they presented their talents. How nice to see the whole community together in prayers and in joy united in Christ! FIrst Mass of the newly ordained priests: Wednesday, Jan. 23: Fr. Andrea Kim received the Priestly Ordination in New Zealand last December after 20 years of Seminary life. When he first arrived in Wellington 4 years ago, he didn t see anything around, only fields, mountains, and 4

5 plenty of sheep. He saw more sheep than people. Later he discovered that the number of sheep outnumbered the human population. I could not believe that the Lord brought me here to become a shepherd of animals, he thought. As time passed, he figured out the Lord s plan was to use him as His instrument to preach the Good News to New Zealanders. He feels very grateful to be able to become a priest in that country. He expressed his readiness to serve the Lord as he shared his favorite Bible passage, which is from the book of Prophet Isaiah 6, 8: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me. Thank you, Fr. Andrea Kim for celebrating the First Mass in Sasudong House, we wish you all the best on your ministry in New Zealand. Wednesday, Jan. 30: Fr. Beda Na from Waegwan Abbey celebrated his first Mass at 6:00 a.m. on Jan. 30 at Daegu Priory House. He was ordained into a priesthood on the Solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul Jan. 25 by his Abbot in the church of the monastery. Formation programs: Tuesday - Thursday, Jan. 8-10: The Annual Seminar of the five Novices was held on Jan at Daegu Priory House conducted by their directress Sr. Virginia Lee. The topic of the Seminar was "Mission" based on the contents of the 11 th General Chapter. They spent the first day studying the documents of the Chapter and the second day was devoted to practical hands-on experiences by assisting two abandoned aged men s houses and one Pakistan labor worker family with house chores and friendship. Missionary Service is what we have learnt during these short, but meaningful days. The conviction of our charism rooted in mission as a way of participation in God s plan of salvation of the world grew deeper, to dedicate our hearts fully to the service of God through our congregation. We want to serve and proclaim the Good News to everyone when the day will come for us to make our profession to Christ, said one of the novices. Thanks go out to our novice directress Sr. Virginia Lee for preparing this Seminar. Monday - Thursday, Jan : For the first time, Seoul Priory held the 4 th Daegu & Seoul Priory s Juniorate Joint Annual Seminar from January at San-ji Retreat House in Seoul. The reason for the occasion was for the junior Sisters of Daegu Priory to deepen their faith by visiting Korean Martyrs sites around Seoul City. The 30 junior Sisters from Daegu Priory divided into small groups of eight with 5

6 one junior Sister from Seoul Priory as their tour guide. The places visited were MyeongDong Seoul Cathedral, Seo-su, Jeoldusan, Saenamteo, Danggogae, and Namildang all Holy Places. In the evening, the Sisters gathered together and shared their experiences of the day. Thanks go out to Seoul Priory House for hosting the Inter-Priory Junior Sisters Seminar in order to become more deeply rooted in the faith of Jesus Christ through the history of Korean Martyrs. Dec Jan. 27: Nine Sisters concluded the ongoing formation program held from Dec. 27, Jan They were Sr. Luzia Lee, Sr. Laetitia Lee, Sr. Agatha Kim, Sr. M. Noel Shin, Sr. Consolata Cheong, Sr. Bonifacio Keum, Sr. Anita Park, Sr. Basilia Hwang and Sr. Salem Jeong. The ongoing program was consisted of one month reading the Bible from the beginning to the end with some conferences of Sr. Isaac Bae and reflections in between. There has been more than 100 Sisters attending the Bible reading program so far. This renewal plan drawn by Daegu Priory government in 2008 has met its goal of offering spiritual growth and assisting the Sisters to prepare for and adjust to the changes related to the aging process. Thanks go out to the Ongoing Formation Preparation Committee for drawing up and implementing a suitable plan for our Sisters. Apostolate news Monday, Jan. 21: After 4 years of full Bible course, a total number of 63 students - 15 staff members and 48 volunteers, received a certificate of conclusion of Bible study conducted by competent Sr. Gratia Lee. They have classes every Monday either at day time or night time in the classroom in the basement of the new staff dormitory building. There are currently more than 100 students attending this course. Admissions for 2013 are still open. For further information or to apply, contact Sr. Gratia Lee at srgratialee@yahoo.com or call

7 January Executive Chief of Daegu Fatima Hospital Sr. Jean Marie Chang along with Director of Education Department of Daegu Mr. Kim aware of the importance of open professional alternatives for the doctors of the future, hosted for the first time in history of Korea an internship for High School Students to experience what a medical doctor life is all about. The role and the responsibility of the doctor in a society, the environment involved, the stages to be gone through in order to become a real doctor were the main concerns during this internship. There were 4 sessions of 2-day run in the month of January with 100 participants. Tuesday: Jan. 8 Executive Chief Officer of Daegu Fatima Hospital Sr. Jean Marie Chang opened the curtains to officially inaugurate the KDFMC so-called Korea Daegu Fatima Medical Center in one accessible office of 25 m2 on the first floor at the Intercontinental Hotel Building located in the capital city Phnom Penh. A total of 20 people including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia participated in the event held on Tuesday, Jan. 8. We hope that by the means of this Medical Center many Cambodians get proper access to the medical treatment they deserve, said Sr. Jean Marie Chang during her speech. Thursday: Jan. 17 Known for its dedication of medical care and concern for patients, Daegu Fatima Hospital is the recipient of the 7 th Rural Health Care Award, recognizing its contributions in Health care in rural regions. Daegu Fatima Hospital has been responding to the needs of the people in rural areas by an exchange inter-city program proposed by the government. The dedication of the staff members of the Hospital has been seen not only in matters of medical treatment, but also in matters of self-health care lectures and counseling. Besides improving the medical quality of small clinics in the village and creating a connection to our Hospital in case of emergency, the Hospital has reached far beyond its own goals. We are aware of our social responsibility to care for and show concern for the dignity of each person with respect and compassion, said Sr. Jean Marie Chang. She received the Bronze Tower Institutional Service Award at the auditorium of the Agricultural Ministry Department at 2:00 p.m. on Jan

8 January: Sang-Ji Girls High School was a recent recipient of the Boarding School Skill Award of This award was organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Province of Gyeongsangbuk-Do, to give a higher-education quality incentive in schools in rural areas. Among 150 recommended schools from regional education offices, Sang-Ji High School was honored as the best Boarding School receiving a prize of $27,500. The evaluative criteria of the school s educational program were based not only on measuring literacy and graduation rates, but also on cultural, sporting and social programs held by each school. In fact, Sang-Ji School has made a steady effort to reinforce education to all students especially those from low-income families providing scholarships, tutoring after school classes and special benefits at the Boarding School. Principal Sr. Rita Yeo noted that more support and interest are needed to ensure continuous learning opportunities for students in rural areas. The prize will be used for developing boarding school programs and designing new activities. Comings & Goings Friday, Jan. 4: Arrival of Sr. Matthia Kim from Australia. She granted a Master Degree in Administration of Health Science of Nursing Department at Australia Catholic University. Thursday, Jan. 10: Arrival of Sr. Maoro Sye after serving 6 years as Generalate Councilor in Rome. Saturday, Jan. 12: Arrival of Sr. Abraham Lee and Sr. Marie Eva Kim after 6 months of mission exposure experience in the Philippines. Wednesday, Jan. 23: Departure of Sr. Marie Bruno Shin for mission at Casa Santo Spirito in Rome. A little bit of knowledge from one of our pioneers March 4, 1906 January 31, 1928 May 25, 1931 May 26, 1934 December 5, 1988 Born in Seoul, South Korea Entered MBS of Tutzing Wonsan Priory, Wonsan, North Korea First Profession at Wonsan Priory, Wonsan, North Korea Final Profession at Wonsan Priory, Wonsan, North Korea Died at Daegu Priory House, SinAmDong Daegu, South Korea 8

9 Wedding of Martel s (Feb.8,1905) First row on the right stands Sr. Immaculata s grandfather, Franz Eckert Sr. Immaculata was born in Seoul, Korea on March 4, Her parents were Emil Martel and Amalia Martel. Her mother s father was Mr. Eckert who taught western music in Seoul and composed Korean Patriotic Song. Her father, Mr. Emil Martel was the son of a Frenchman and his Japanese wife. Sr. Immaculata was the eldest of five children. She was baptized in the Cathedral Church of MyungDong, Seoul on April 5, 1906 with the name of Marie Louise. Her grandfathers both helped the old Korea in its modernization in music and postal system, etc. Her father taught English at Dongsung Middle/High School and French at the Seminary, in Seoul. Her uncle was living in China at that time and so her father went often to China. He carried secret letters to the Korean Independence Fighters in Shanghai. The Japanese authorities got suspicious of him and at times he was imprisoned for some months or his Korean entrance was denied at the customs. Mr. Martel loved Korea and Koreans. Sr. Immaculata was educated very well by both her parents. Her mother was born German. She educated her children very modern but strictly. For instance, she didn t allow them to complain about foods on table whether they were salty or flat. They were supposed to eat foods as offered to them. She educated them to be broad-minded and receptiveminded. She also educated them to yield to others if possible and love others broadly. Sr. Immaculata attended schools in Japan, her grandmother s country (father s mother). Her schooling was done mostly at the Sacred Heart Sisters schools in Tokyo, Japan. Then, she came back to live with her parents in Seoul, Korea. In 1925, when our four pioneer Sisters arrived in Seoul, Mrs. Martel cared for them for four days with Bishop Bonifacius Shin until they left for Wonsan on November 21, Since she was German by birth, she was very happy to meet our German Sisters. At this time, Sr. Immaculata made it known to the Sisters and her mother that she wanted to enter the Missionary Benedictine Sisters when the Sisters would be ready to accept the candidates. Sr. Immaculata entered Wonsan MBS Priory in Then, on May 24, 1930 she was clothed with five Korean postulants. After one year of novice-ship, Sr. Immaculata made her first profession on May 25, She was counted as one among the first six who made profession first time in Korea as MBS Sisters. (to be continued in the next edition) -Sr. Veronica Lee- Responsible for the Chronicles of Daegu Priory (Translated by Sr. Maria Paul Sung) that in all things God may be glorified (Pt 4,11) Newsletter: osb_news@hanmail.net Homepage: 9