The Jesuit Apostolic Center, tucked in a quiet corner of the Sogang University campus in Mapo-gu, Seoul, hosted the biannual assembly of the major superiors of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP). From 15-19 July, the Korean Province welcomed provincials and superiors for five days of discussion and discernment in common on governance, finance, personnel, and formation, among other topics. It was also a time for this diverse group to pray, eat, learn, and laugh together in solidarity and companionship, united in the Missio Dei.
This recent gathering marked the first meeting presided over by Fr Jun Viray SJ as conference president, ably assisted by JCAP Socious Fr Greg Soetomo SJ, Treasurer Fr Vidal Gornez SJ, and Joanne Cadiz, who celebrated 25 years as the conference secretary.
Fr Paschal Yong-su Kim SJ, Provincial of the Korean Province, was a gracious host to the 15 major superiors, as well as Fr Jose Magadia SJ, Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific. Also present were Fr Stany D’Souza SJ, President of the South Asian Conference, and Fr Sebastian Jeerakassery SJ, General Treasurer from the Curia in Rome, who spent several sessions with the major superiors.
The meeting days were packed with discussions, which the participants greatly appreciated. The agenda included the results of the worldwide survey on the role of women in the Society of Jesus presented by Maria Elissa Jayme Lao and Fr Kuen-sang Simon Yi SJ of the Women’s Commission representing JCAP.
Fr Cristóbal Fones SJ, a Chilean Jesuit and the International Vice Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN), presented various activities and spirituality resources available through PWPN. He was accompanied by Fr Francis Alberto Ireneus David SJ from Malaysia, who serves as PWPN coordinator for Asia Pacific. Fr Jun Nakai SJ, coordinator of the Migrants and Refugees Network, likewise updated the group on their strides in planning and collaboration.
Two guests joined online: from Lahore, Fr Noel Jayanathan SJ, the Acting Mission Superior of the Jesuits in Pakistan, briefed the group about the context and needs of the Pakistan Mission, which has been under JCAP’s care since April 2023. Finally, French Jesuit Fr Gaël Giraud gave a most insightful talk about the urgency of the ecological policy crisis and macro-economics.
In South Korea, Catholicism was established in 1784 by missionaries who brought Western medicine and modern education to a peninsula originally steeped in Confucianism and Buddhism. The 1800s were turbulent times, full of persecution and violence for Korean Catholics. Many were beheaded in public outside the crossroads of Seosomun, a gateway to the city for trade and a hub for activity in the olden days. The JCAP Major Superiors spent a rainy afternoon visiting the Seosomun Shrine History Museum, built on the same spot where the executions were carried out. The stunning complex features a ground-level historical park and a museum that intersects faith and art, history and heritage, nature and technology. The group paused for a quiet moment to observe the museum’s Consolation Hall, modelled after a tomb from an ancient kingdom—perhaps a fitting resting place for the relics of five saints martyred during the persecution. The Consolation Hall also featured a video art installation projected on all four walls. It was a beautiful yet sombre reminder that South Korea is a land of Christian martyrs who spilled their blood for the faith.
Today, the Jesuits in Korea continue with their mission to accompany Korean Catholics who are no longer persecuted, but must survive the difficulties of contemporary society. As the major superiors continue to shepherd their men, South Korea’s example of a strong and vibrant faith—grounded in sacrifice and suffering, yet buoyed by resilience, joy, and giving—paves a hopeful way for believers everywhere.
