Korean Catholics bid farewell to retired Seoul archbishop

Dec 03, 2021

SEOUL: Catholic bishops, clergy and laypeople expressed their gratitude to Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the retired archbishop of Seoul Archdiocese, with a thanksgiving ceremony on November 30.

Cardinal Yeom, who led the archdiocese from 2012 until earlier this year, celebrated a thanksgiving Mass with Korean bishops at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, his patron saint, according to a press release from Seoul Archdiocese.

The prelate expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God and the faithful for their continued support that made his service as archbishop of Seoul and apostolic administrator of Pyongyang “a joyful journey, guided by the Holy Spirit.”

“I would like to first and foremost thank God for giving me the opportunity and guidance to experience profound joy and comfort amidst challenges in these blessed years. It seems like only yesterday that I was installed as the archbishop of Seoul to succeed the late Cardinal Nicholas Cheong, who had asked me to become an honest and sincere pastor,” Cardinal Yeom said in his homily.

Cardinal Yeom said he confesses his “own deficiency” in carrying out his goals that included missionary work in Asia, youth ministry and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

He also prayed and offered good wishes for Archbishop-elect Peter Chung Soontaek, whom Pope Francis appointed to succeed him on Oct 28. I will always be grateful for every single moment and pray for peace in the Korean Peninsula and our Church.

“As the Archdiocese of Seoul now plays a leading role not only in Asia but also in the Catholic Church around the world, I believe that the new archbishop will become a spiritual leader for the nation. I will always be grateful for every single moment and pray for peace in the Korean Peninsula and our Church. Please continue to keep me in your prayers,” he said.

Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, apostolic nuncio to South Korea, thanked Cardinal Yeom for his role as “good shepherd” in his farewell message.

“On the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, we are gathered in this cathedral to thank God who has faithfully guided Cardinal Yeom during his 10 years of ministry as the archbishop of Seoul. I am pleased to convey this blessing of Pope Francis to Cardinal Yeom and to the new Archbishop Chung, as well as the entire Catholic community, that we are all grateful to God for giving us Cardinal Yeom, the Good Shepherd, and wish Your Eminence good health and serenity,” said Archbishop Xuereb. -- ucanews.com