austraLasia #2577
Fr John Lee, a 'precious gift' to Africa
SEOUL: 18th January 2010 -- The tragedy which has riveted the world's attention this past week should not let us overlook the quiet passing of another Salesian in another part of the world, Korea. A much-loved man whom some have likened to another Albert Schweitzer, Fr John Lee Tae Seok, medico, missionary, Salesian, passed away from cancer in Seoul on 14th January. He had been in Tonj, South Sudan for the past decade. He was surrounded by confreres from Korea, from Sudan, including the Delegate, Fr Ryan Ferrington, and many many friends and supporters. Two young Sudanese whom he had attended as a Salesian and a doctor were also in Seoul, on a scholarship organised by the Foundation he has set up in support of the Salesian work in Sudan. A confrere of his writes this moving tribute:
(Dr.) Fr. John Lee SDB, was a Salesian Missionary from Korea, who joined the Sudan Salesian mission about 10 years ago. He came to AFE province as a deacon from Rome to have an African Salesian experience. His visit to the Sudan mission ultimately led him to find a call within the call and he chose to be part of the Sudan mission from then on. After his ordination he returned to the Tonj Mission in the South Sudan and worked tirelessly to set up a dispensary to cater to the needs of the poor, sick and suffering people.
Being a medical doctor himself he managed to save thousands of lives since then. As an excellent musician he also began a Brass Band and trained the young Sudanese boys and girls to discover their talents in the field of music. His patience and persistence ultimately bore fruits. At present the Don Bosco Brass Band is the most appreciated and sought after Musical band in the whole of South Sudan. He also dedicated his time to the parish activities and village visits. His jovial and friendly manner brought him closer to the young and old alike. Besides all other responsibilities he also helped in the school. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Don Bosco Secondary School in Tonj.
A great blow to all this wonderful works came a year and half ago. He went to Korea for his holidays and went for a routine checkup. During the medical examination the doctors suspected cancer of the colon and liver. Later it was confirmed and he underwent a series of chemotherapies. Initially he responded well with the treatment and was seem to be recovering. But past few months he began to deteriorate finally the doctors gave up their hope of his recovery.
Fr Lee ended his earthly sojourn on 5.30 am on 14th January 2010(Korean Time). Just 47 years of age, with great many talents, he has gone to meet the creator, our Loving Heavenly Father. We miss him in the Sudan, we miss his gentle smile, kind words and brotherly presence among us. We miss him physically here on earth, but we now have a great intercessor in heaven for our Salesian Mission in the Sudan. Dear Fr. Lee, God be with you till we meet again… (Shyjan C. Job, SDB)
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AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2009 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
Fr John Lee, a 'precious gift' to Africa
SEOUL: 18th January 2010 -- The tragedy which has riveted the world's attention this past week should not let us overlook the quiet passing of another Salesian in another part of the world, Korea. A much-loved man whom some have likened to another Albert Schweitzer, Fr John Lee Tae Seok, medico, missionary, Salesian, passed away from cancer in Seoul on 14th January. He had been in Tonj, South Sudan for the past decade. He was surrounded by confreres from Korea, from Sudan, including the Delegate, Fr Ryan Ferrington, and many many friends and supporters. Two young Sudanese whom he had attended as a Salesian and a doctor were also in Seoul, on a scholarship organised by the Foundation he has set up in support of the Salesian work in Sudan. A confrere of his writes this moving tribute:
(Dr.) Fr. John Lee SDB, was a Salesian Missionary from Korea, who joined the Sudan Salesian mission about 10 years ago. He came to AFE province as a deacon from Rome to have an African Salesian experience. His visit to the Sudan mission ultimately led him to find a call within the call and he chose to be part of the Sudan mission from then on. After his ordination he returned to the Tonj Mission in the South Sudan and worked tirelessly to set up a dispensary to cater to the needs of the poor, sick and suffering people.
Being a medical doctor himself he managed to save thousands of lives since then. As an excellent musician he also began a Brass Band and trained the young Sudanese boys and girls to discover their talents in the field of music. His patience and persistence ultimately bore fruits. At present the Don Bosco Brass Band is the most appreciated and sought after Musical band in the whole of South Sudan. He also dedicated his time to the parish activities and village visits. His jovial and friendly manner brought him closer to the young and old alike. Besides all other responsibilities he also helped in the school. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Don Bosco Secondary School in Tonj.
A great blow to all this wonderful works came a year and half ago. He went to Korea for his holidays and went for a routine checkup. During the medical examination the doctors suspected cancer of the colon and liver. Later it was confirmed and he underwent a series of chemotherapies. Initially he responded well with the treatment and was seem to be recovering. But past few months he began to deteriorate finally the doctors gave up their hope of his recovery.
Fr Lee ended his earthly sojourn on 5.30 am on 14th January 2010(Korean Time). Just 47 years of age, with great many talents, he has gone to meet the creator, our Loving Heavenly Father. We miss him in the Sudan, we miss his gentle smile, kind words and brotherly presence among us. We miss him physically here on earth, but we now have a great intercessor in heaven for our Salesian Mission in the Sudan. Dear Fr. Lee, God be with you till we meet again… (Shyjan C. Job, SDB)
_________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2009 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
