SW News: Catholics in the Archdiocese of Seoul in South Korea are jubilant as providence has blessed them with 23 young priests. They will now join the ranks of the 900-plus priests who are serving in the archdiocese. The springtime of vocations continues in the Korean Church and the recent ordinations took place on January 28.

Archbishop of Seoul Msgr. Peter Chung presided over the ordination Mass at the Myeongdong Cathedral. According to the Archdiocese's Office of Communications, the ceremony was held following the COVID protocol. Only the parents of the new priests were allowed to attend the ordination Mass. The liturgy was broadcast live on the Catholic Peace Broadcasting Corporation's television channel and YouTube feed.

Monsignor Chung expressed his thankfulness to God for the gift of these "new workers” for the Lord’s vineyard. He also thanked the newly ordained priests' parents, parish priests and nuns, instructors and spiritual advisers, and benefactors who accompanied and supported them in their vocation and formation.

Three of the 23 new priests are members of the Seoul International Catholic Missionary Society created by the Archdiocese in 2005. It has already sent missionaries to Latin America where priests are yet to reach vast swathes of land in the interiors. This, according to the Bishop, is tangible proof that the Korean Church has evolved from a "welcoming church" to a "giving church."

The Catholic population of the Seoul Archdiocese is estimated to be 1.5 million, with 229 parishes. As of January now, the archdiocese has 966 priests, including a cardinal, an archbishop, three bishops, and five monsignors. In addition, 23 missionary priests are ministering in 11 countries for the archdiocese.