Korea: More prayers needed for reconciliation, unification, Seoul Archbishop

A church leader in South Korea said more prayers were needed for the unification of North and South Korea.

"God will grant our people the grace to overcome the pain of division and achieve true reconciliation and unification soon," said Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul.

Based on the example of the Blessed Mother Mary, he stressed that it is the Church's responsibility to build more bridges of faith and reconciliation.

"At the celebration of the Assumption of Mary on August 15, I believe the Church should play a proactive role in drawing those who drifted away from Christ during this pandemic," he said.  

Moreover, he urged churches to act as bridges of love and unity in these difficult times while acknowledging and accepting others.

On August 15, Korea celebrated Independence Day, also known as "Gwangbokjeol," which literally translates into "bringing back the light," which marks the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule. 

The word is a combination of "Gwang," "Bok, and "Jeol," which means "light," ''return,' and "festival days' refer to the restoration of national independence.

Young people from around the world were invited to take part in the annual 'World Youth Peace Pilgrimage to the demilitarized zone (DMZ)-Wind of Peace.'

This pilgrimage promotes peace in the world and on the Korean peninsula and is organized by the Archdiocese's Committee for Reconciliation of the Korean People.

Young participants visited Ulleungdo and Dokdo, as well as the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that divides South and North Korea.