Every year, the Korean Province celebrates Religious Family Day on 6th of June, with all members
gathering. This year marks the 61st anniversary of its entry into Korea. 180 members, excluding
those who are sick, those in nursing homes, and those living overseas, and 10 members of the
companions of Mary Ward participated.
In the first part, we gave thanks to God for leading our Congregation with love and grace, and a Mass was held for all of us on the journey of Becoming One, and for the members who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee (Sr. Dominica Hong) and Silver Jubilee (Sr. Columba Nam). There was also a simple congratulatory ceremony for the two sisters.
In the second part, there was a fellowship time and a sharing by the Provincial, Sr. Cecilia Yeom, on the topic of ‘Becoming One’. During the fellowship time, we shared individual cards written
down the scripture at the heart of our religious life in order to pray for one another during the“Year of Consecrated Life.” We will remember and pray until the Year of Consecrated Life ends.
Then, in order to energize all members, including the elderly members, we paired up with a member with whom we had been unable to interact for a while and planned a ‘pilgrimage to
the other branch’. This was also a lively time connected to the June theme of the Spiritual Journey Core Activity, “Pilgrimage Beyond our Horizons.”
Next, there was a sharing by the Provincial about ‘Becoming One’. After listening an explanation of the union journey in our history, we watched together the video from the General Superior, Sr Veronica about “Becoming One – what it can mean for the Korean Province.” We are planning to have a time of deeper reflection using this material in August for our monthly recollection.
Finally, during the ending liturgy, we looked back on what had happened in our society and church over the past year, listened Pope Francis’ message of hope. Lastly, it ended with a warm time of remembering each other by sharing congratulatory videos sent by members dispatched overseas (from the Philippines, Mongolia, Myanmar and Italy). To further remember and unite our hearts on the journey of Becoming One, the handkerchiefs were distributed for all members with the words
“Becoming One” written on it, prepared by the Province as a gift.
