The only Salesian parish in Korea: Guro 3 Dong Parish!

By Bro. Bosco Park Kyengseok, SDB

Seoul, Korea, 28 September 2017 -- Catholic Church in Korea is grateful to God for the steadfast growth in past 50 years. Among the 53 millions of South Korea population (Republic of Korea) there are 5.7 millions baptized Catholic (10.9% of the total population. The 1719 parishes and 740 mission stations in South Korea are mainly ministered by the diocesan clergy (4264 priests). religious and missionary societies priests are only 898. Also in the capital city of Seoul with 229 parishes and 1.5 million of Catholics there are only 3 parishes entrusted to the religious congregation.

Guro 3 Dong Salesian parish already celebrated 50th anniversary few years ago, has 5200 Catholic, who are organized in 24 zones with vibrant Small Christian Communities. Among the five Salesians who serve the parish community are 4 priests (Rector - parish priest Fr. Philip Park) includes also the former provincial Fr. Paul Hwang (Economer) and Br. Bosco Park. Don Bosco is happy with the location of this parish among the poorest districts with highest percentage of migrants in the whole archdiocese of Seoul.

Any visitor or newcomer to the St. Francis de Sales parish is immediately touched by the Salesian spirit environment build up by generations of first Salesian missionaries, Korean Salesians and local Catholic community. The Association of Salesian Cooperators, organized in one Center with 4 teams (total of 59 members and 11 aspirants) is present in every corner of the parish - from the pastoral council, catechesis, youth ministry up to the new ministry to the migrants.

An open missionary attitude is the striking characteristic of the Catholic community: every year there are formed four groups of catechumens, every Sunday the 10 Masses are served (also in English and Chinese), wonderful collaboration among the 5 FMA sisters and 5 Salesians is an important witness to the children and young people.

In order to realize the dream about 'Out-reaching Church' of Pope Francis, recently were started few new frontiers, still in the initial stage of discernment: ministry to the migrant population (majority are Chinese, some 10.000 living in the parish territory and another 100.000 living in nearby Dae Rim Dong), local after school activity for the poor youth, services to the nearby 'Digital City complex Catholic workers (160.000 workers within the parish boundary) were started. In this way the only Salesian parish in Korea shares the light of the Gospel and the spirit of Don Bosco!

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