By Fr. Leo Byun
Nae-Ri, Korea, 28 October 2019 -- The 2nd regular meeting for recently ordained priests was held for 2 days (26-27, October) at the Nae-Ri Salesio Retreat Center. A total of 11 priests ordained within the last 5 years came together, and the meeting was led by the Provincial, Fr Timothy Choi and Fr Bonaventura Kim, the formation delegate. The 1st meeting earlier this year was mainly focused on pastoral activity, but this time the focus was more on a fraternal gathering. The Novice Master and novices were invited to play field soccer and other various Korean-specific sports that were mainly played during national military service.
The Provincial, Fr Timothy Choi demonstrated his very talented soccer skill-set in a special way. No one would think he is already in his 50s! Noting his polished skills, everyone said Fr Timothy seems like a newly ordained priest!
Prior to this sports event, the 11 priests were asked to answer the question set by Fr Bonaventura (Formation Delegate) – “What kind of education do we most need for now?” Also, Fr Bonaventura addressed them on the topic of Formation. He mentioned that ‘the beginning and the end of the formation is solely up to ourselves. Realising that we are called by HIM every second of our lives is the ultimate way of completing our formation. During this process, we have to be concerned about the young and people we care for. He also emphasized that learning from the early formation phase should be continued during the priesthood and also has to be self-monitored.
The group Rosary session followed after the sports and time together in celebration. During these 'happy-hours', much invaluable discussion and experiences of Salesian life were presented.
On the second day, the group went for a long walk and a picnic. In fact, the place they visited used be well-known as the place where a disastrous oil-spill took place. It happened in 2007. However thanks to the numerous anonymous volunteers from all over the nation coming to help, the oil-soaked seashore was cleaned up and damaged nature restored. It symbolises a place of agony and sorrow but also a place of hope and restoration. The group of priests once more realised that the power of hope is such a wonderful thing we have been given from Our Father.
Over these short two days, the young priests gained renewed inspiration to devote themselves to the journey to the persons they must become.
