In a momentous ceremony held at the Myeongdong Cathedral, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul ordained 16 new priests and 25 deacons, marking a significant addition to the clergy of the main South Korean archdiocese. The ordinations, which took place on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, were presided over by Archbishop Chung himself.
"These ordinations signify a profound commitment to the service of the Church and its mission," remarked Archbishop Chung during the ceremony. "As clergy, you are entrusted with the sacred duties of proclaiming the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and serving as collaborators of the bishop."
The biblical theme for the ordination ceremony, "Let innocence and uprightness preserve me; I wait for you, O Lord" (Ps 25:21), encapsulated the spiritual journey undertaken by the ordained clergy. Deacon Hwang Jun-ho, who selected the verse, emphasized its significance in guiding the newly ordained priests and deacons through life's challenges.
"As representatives of Christ, you may encounter trials and temptations," Deacon Hwang Jun-ho explained. "But may this verse serve as a beacon of hope, guiding you towards righteousness and steadfastness in your ministry."
Among the ordained deacons, 21 received their formation at the archdiocesan seminary, while one trained at the Redemptoris Mater seminary, one hails from the Missionaries of the Word, and two others are affiliated with the Dominican Order.
Reflecting on the significance of the ordinations, the Archdiocese of Seoul underscored the importance of these newly ordained clergy members, especially as South Korea prepares to host World Youth Day 2027. With Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the archbishop emeritus of Seoul, alongside the current archbishop and three auxiliary bishops, the total number of priests in the archdiocese now stands at 985.
Furthermore, the addition of 25 new deacons brings a sense of vitality to the local Church, enriching its capacity to serve the faithful amidst the diverse landscape of South Korean society, where Catholics comprise approximately 11% of the population.
As Pope Francis visited South Korea in 2014, marking a significant moment for the Church in the region, the recent ordinations serve as a continuation of that momentum, fostering spiritual growth and renewal within the Catholic community of South Korea.