Climb the steps to a sanctuary of peace. Here we stand before Yangjaedong Catholic Church.
Introduction:
Yangjaedong Catholic Church offers solace and spiritual reflection in Seoul. It stands as a testament to faith. Though specific historical details are scarce its presence enriches the community.
Main Narrative:
Catholicism’s Korean history begins with translated Chinese books. Scholars studied these and developed religious beliefs. Lee Seung-hun was baptized in Beijing in 1784. He returned to Korea and baptized others including Kim Beom-woo. This formed Korea’s first Catholic community. Their gatherings grew. They moved to Kim Beom-woo’s house in Myeongraebang now Myeongdong.
Persecution began in 1785. Despite this the ancestors kept their faith. They continued to spread the Gospel in harsh situations. On September 9 1831 Pope Gregorio XVI designated Chosun as an Apostolic Vicariate. He gave propagation and pastorate responsibilities to the Foreign Missionaries of Paris.
Even after this designation the Korean Catholic Church suffered major persecutions. These were the Kihae Persecution in 1839 and Byeongoh Persecution in 1846. Yet church reconstruction and priestly formation continued. Fr. Kim Daegeon became the first Korean clergy in 1845. Fr. Choi Yangeob was ordained in 1849.
In 1855 Bishop Simeon-Francois Berneux established Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Baeron. It started priestly formation and education. He also established two woodblock printing houses in Seoul. These translated and published doctrine books.
After the Korea-France Treaty in 1886 missionary work gained some freedom. After Myeongdong Cathedral’s dedication in 1898 churches were built nationwide. Missionary work prospered. Believers increased.
In 1911 the Apostolic Vicariate of Daegu was established. It divided from the Apostolic Vicariate of Chosun. The Apostolic Vicariate of Chosun became the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul. It had jurisdiction over the Northern part from Chungcheong-do.
In 1920 the Apostolic Vicariate of Wonsan was established. It had jurisdiction over Hamkyeong-do and Gan-do Manchuria. In 1927 the Apostolic Prefecture of Pyeongyang was established. In January 1928 Hwanghae-do became an Apostolic Vicar Forane. Korean priest Kim Myeongje became the first Vicar Forane.
The Korean Catholic Church grew rapidly. A Beatification Mass for 79 martyrs was held on July 5 1925 in Rome. These martyrs were killed during Kihae and Byeongoh Persecutions. In 1936 the 4th parish church in Seoul was built in Yeongdeungpo. In 1939 the Apostolic Prefecture of Chuncheon was established.
The Church faced another difficult time during the Japanese colonial era. After Japan started the Pacific War in December 1941 the Japanese government arrested foreign missionaries. They tried to replace them with Japanese clergies. Bishop Andrien-Joseph Larribeau resigned as Apostolic Vicar of Seoul. Fr. Roh Gi-nam became the first Korean bishop. He was appointed as the 10th Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul. The Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul became independent from the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. Despite hardships Bishop Roh Gi-nam led the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul.
After liberation from Japan in 1945 the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul had 16 parishes. During the Korean War many parish churches were destroyed. Priests were arrested and killed. Many believers lost their lives. After the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul focused on post-war recovery. Countries around the world supported this. The number of Catholic believers continued to grow. In the late 1950s the Apostolic Vicariate of Seoul had 29 parishes.
The Catholic hierarchy of Korea was established on March 10 1962. Seoul Daegu and Gwangju became Archdioceses. The Ecclesiastical Province of Seoul includes Chuncheon Incheon Daejeon Pyeongyang and Hamheung Diocese. Suwon Diocese joined later in October 1963. Wonju Diocese separated from Chuncheon Diocese in March 1965. Euijeongbu Diocese separated from the Archdiocese of Seoul in June 2004.
In 1974 the Archdiocese of Seoul actively participated in social movements. It aimed to protect human dignity. Pope John Paul II visited Korea in May 1984. He celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Korean Catholic Church. He also held the Canonization Mass for 103 saints. He visited again in October 1989. He participated in the 44th International Eucharistic Congress in Yeouido Square. There was rapid growth of believers in the Archdiocese of Seoul.
Conclusion:
Yangjaedong Catholic Church stands. It represents faith and perseverance. It is a place for reflection in Seoul.