On 2 July, Jeong-su Thomas Aquinas Nam SJ marked the beginning of his new journey as a servant of the Church. The Korean Province celebrated his ordination to the priesthood at Myeongdong Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Seoul, presided over by Most Rev Kyung-sang Paul Lee, Bishop of Seoul. Priests, religious, and lay faithful gathered, united in heartfelt blessings and fervent prayers.
In his homily, Bishop Lee emphasised: “The Word of God must be proclaimed to all, and God’s law should be meditated upon, read, believed, taught, and practised.” He urged Fr Nam: “Carry out your priestly duties with true love and steadfast joy, and do not seek your own will but follow the will of Jesus Christ.”
The newly ordained priest shared his vocation journey: “I cherished a vocation since childhood, but around the time of entering university, I compromised with reality and chose to enrol in medical school. However, during a retreat in my university years, I experienced a renewed realisation that Jesus is the one who came for me, deepening my dedication to my vocation.”
He especially valued the fraternal life within the Jesuit community after joining the Society. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “As an only child, I have no siblings, but living in the Jesuit community, engaging in small disputes, and learning to understand and adapt to one another has brought me great joy. During my novitiate, while preparing for a theatrical performance, we resolved our differences and laughed together, experiencing true brotherhood in faith.”
Looking ahead, Father Nam humbly shared, “Regardless of the titles—religious, priest, or doctor—I intend to live as a human being before God, acknowledging my weaknesses and limitations and clinging to and relying on Him.”
After Mass, Bishop Lee advised the newly ordained priest to “be the visible presence of Christ and to become a messenger who conveys the love of God the Creator.”
L-R: Korean Provincial Fr Yong-su Pascal Kim SJ, Fr Jeong-su Thomas Aquinas Nam SJ, Bishop Kyung-sang Paul Lee, and Province Socius Fr Chang-hyon Pius Lee SJ
Father Yong-su Pascal Kim SJ, Provincial of the Korean Province, expressed gratitude to everyone who gathered to celebrate the ordination despite the hot weather. He also encouraged the new priest by recalling Pope Francis’s words that “the Church is like a field hospital.” He added, “I hope you become a priest who consoles and heals those who are wounded and suffering, just as Jesus did.”
The Society of Jesus looks forward to Fr Nam becoming a true priest who practises the love of God.
