On 1 July, five Jesuits in the Korean Province were ordained as priests. They are Fr Kim Hak-joon Michael, Fr Kim Min-ho Martino, Fr Kim Woo-jung Stephen, Fr Kim Hyun-jhik Thomas, and Fr Oh Hyun-cheol Francis.
The ordination Mass was held in Myong-Dong Cathedral with a restricted number of guests, in accordance with the national guidelines on Covid-19, but around 8,000 people watched the live streaming on YouTube.
The ordaining prelate, Most Rev Peter Chung Soon-taek OCD, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul Archdiocese, shared his joy with the audience. “These five Jesuit brothers have finished the long formation process nicely. I would like to congratulate them from my heart, and deliver my joy to the Society of Jesus because the Society now has five splendid priests.” He advised the new priests: “All of you are to witness with your lives and words how good our Lord is. And you are invited to guide people to sincere happiness in the Lord. With this intention, I will pray.”
Fr Kim Yong-su Paschal SJ, Provincial of the Korean Province, expressed his deep gratitude to the people who support the Society of Jesus with their prayers and benefaction. He assured those gathered that God will provide them whatever they need with His divine providence, and said: “The five priests who are ordained today might be called ‘corona’ priests, but you can find divine gifts in this calling.” He highlighted the paradox of the pandemic and ordination. “At the time of social distancing, you are called to dive into the people to deliver God’s love and build a bridge,” he told the new priests. Finally, he reminded them of Pope Francis’ message: “Please follow poor and humble Jesus and become shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.”
The five newly ordained priests studied philosophy at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. Four of them, Fr Kim Hak-joon Michael, Fr Kim Min-ho Martino, Fr Kim Woo-jung Stephen, and Fr Kim Hyun-jhik Thomas, were in the joint theology programme of the Graduate School of Theology at Sogang University and the Loyola School of Theology at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, where they stayed at the Arrupe International Residence. Meanwhile, Fr Oh Hyun-cheol Francis studied theology at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.
In a recent issue of the Korean Province newsletter, the new priests shared how they felt about their ordination.
Fr Kim Hak-joon Michael SJ said, “I am sure of how I really like this journey, which enables me to feel the touch of God and His heart. With God’s permission, I want to be more courageous in following this journey.”
Fr Kim Min-ho Martino SJ remarked on the “special invitation to share the love which I was given with my neighbours who are thirsty for that love…. I will humbly answer God’s invitation asking me to be a priest in the time of pandemic.”
Fr Kim Woo-jung Stephen SJ shared, “When I think about the Way of the Cross, my way is also similar with the way in the desert. It is impossible for me to build a way in this desert, so I ask Holy Mary’s intercession for me to build and follow the way.”
Fr Kim Hyun-jhik Thomas SJ shared his wish at the moment of his ordination. “I want to be a man of humility. If I fail in my mission, I want to be a man who is able to confront my errors in front of Jesus. I hope to meet many people reflecting Jesus’ face in my apostolate. And also I wish my face to be like Jesus’.”
Finally, Fr Oh Hyun-cheol Francis said, “The only thing I can do is to pray to God to help me to live like Jesus Christ. I will do my best in finishing my journey prepared by the Lord with the Church community.”