T
he 2nd century Church Father Tertullian once wrote that “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” He was certainly implying that the self-giving of martyrs could become a stimulus for others to embrace the faith more zealously.
It caught my attention that Pope Francis, who will soon start his visit to South Korea, has two major events to preside on his missionary visit: the Asian youth gathering and the beatification of the 124 Korean Christians who died during the 17th and 18th centuries. This is the first time, in 25 years,that a pope is visiting the Korean Peninsula. Thus, it is all the more relevant to consider these two events as one celebration, a celebration of Faith.
Around 2,000 young people from 30 countries are expected to gather for the Sixth Asian Youth Day that will be held in the diocese of Daejon.Pope Francis will be there to celebrate Mass in Daejon’s Stadium, lunch with the young people, and also celebrate the closing Mass of the youth gathering at Haemi Castle. His love for the young has been evident from the beginning of his pontificate.
During the World Youth Day gathering in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last year, thousands were touched by his simplicity, kindness, closeness to people, and joyful faith. On his part, Francis, in his homily during the event, made a clear and concise appeal to the youth: “Dear young friends, as you return to your homes, do not be afraid to be generous with Christ, to bear witness to His Gospel.” He counts on the young to be the evangelizers, the bearers of the light of faith, the Church of tomorrow, the hope of a better society.
While faith has to be rooted in our own tradition, it has to be lived always in gratitude to those who introduced us to the faith. The beatification of the Korean martyrs is a clear invitation for the youth to nurture the seed of the Church, to realize that the gift of faith is precious and far greater than their still short-lived experience – it precedes them and will live on after they are gone! Theirs is the task of being joyful witnesses to the Gospel. This is their time! This is their mission!
In the midst of the rich cultural and religious traditions of Asia, young Catholics have much to rejoice, to live for, and to share with others. On the other hand, however, religious persecution is still a reality in some corners of Asia. To live the Gospel and the joy of Faith, therefore, remains a challenge for the young. But, Pope Francis’ presence in this youth gathering is a clear message not only of assurance in the faith but also a clear statement that he believes in the Asian youth.
There are many expectations surrounding this four-day visit, not just concerning what might happen in the hearts of those who will be there with Pope Francis, but of its impact at large. The Pope’s visit will conclude with a Mass for peace and reconciliation in Myeong-dong Cathedral, Seoul. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of Seoul, says the people of South Korea are hopeful that the papal visit will produce the “greatest miracle” – that the two Koreas will return to dialogue. Well, off hand, it may seem improbable, but the Spirit of God is our power and guide and, if from the blood of martyrs He builds the Church, this occasion should be no exception.
