After 20 years opening new presence in another Korean diocese

By Fr. Gabriel Oh, SDB

Jeju, Korea, 10 November 2017 -- Twenty years after starting a new presence in Chuncheon diocese (1996) our province is entering slowly another diocese of Jeju, located on the only large island of Jeju (650.000 population) with 78.000 Catholics and 46 diocesan and 8 religious priests in 27 parishes. Before our coming are already present the Caritas Sisters of Jesus, FMA Sisters and Salesian Cooperators. So far we have only two Salesian, who were born in the Jeju Island - one Priest and one Brother! Of course, as everywhere in Korea, there are also present many Don Bosco Past Pupils or classmates from the Major seminary in Gwangju.

During the first year of prospection stay, upon the benevolent invitation of Bishop Peter Kang U-Il, one Salesian was asked to stay and explore our possible commitment for the youth and Catholic community of Jeju.

Thanks to the low profile approach and spirit of service Fr. Gabriel Oh was able to make many friends with his tireless service around the parishes and needed sacramental service around the small island diocese. After nine month of patient service comes the confirm of our searching for the first Salesian work. Although there is a lack of diocesan clergy in the parishes, until now the youth at risk (youth in conflict with law) ministry is not yet fully developed.

With help of many lay people and diocesan priests was discerned the first possible Salesian work. In cooperation with the Family court of Jeju we would take care from 2018 about the Youth entrusted by the Family court (level one) for a specific period of stay before returning back to their family or to ordinary social life. Indeed for the Family Court judges at the moment there are only two options - order compulsory social services or sent the youth to the juvenile reformatory for 1-2 years.

Bishop Peter Kang with his coadjutor Bishop Pius Moon gave already green lights for the official start of the first Salesian presence at the beginning of next year 2018. The community would be based on the Columban 'St Isidore Farm' at the center of the island our first work for the boys at the heart of Don Bosco.

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