Archbishop Peña Parra at the inauguration of the exhibition

VATICAN

Seoul: Peña Parra inaugurates exhibition at Shrine of Seosomun Martyrs

Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra inaugurates an exhibition at the Shrine of the Seosomun Martyrs, in South Korea, emphasising the importance of love, peace, and unity in the face of historical adversities and the enduring legacy of faith.

By Francesca Merlo

The Shrine of the Seosomun Martyrs in Seoul, South Korea, hosted Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, as he inaugurated a museum exhibition.

Various dignitaries, religious leaders, and guests gathered to pay tribute to the Shrine's historical significance and commemorate its spiritual and cultural legacy.

The significance of the shrine

The Archbishop conveyed greetings and blessings on behalf of Pope Francis, emphasizing the Shrine's importance to Korean Catholics and its connection to the testimony of faith demonstrated by their ancestors who faced martyrdom on this sacred ground.

"Pope Francis visited the Seosomun Shrine in 2014 during its initial stage of construction," noted Archbishop Peña Parra, underscoring the Shrine's historical significance.

He acknowledged the Korean nation's resilience in facing adversities while championing peace and nurturing a civilization grounded in love.

Archbishop Peña Parra visits the exhibit

Love and peace for all

The Archbishop highlighted the exhibition's title, "Love and Peace for All," calling for efforts to dismantle barriers obstructing universal fraternity and love among diverse peoples.

Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of Saint John XXIII’s Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, the Archbishop emphasized its prophetic significance in advocating peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, rooted in faith and recognition of inherent human dignity.

"Taking to heart the words of the Apostle Paul, 'I can do all things in him who strengthens me,'" he commended the Korean people's resilience in building the Church on the foundation of Christ.

Quoting Pope John's call to establish a society founded on love and peace, Archbishop Peña Parra spoke about the importance of fostering truth, justice, charity, and freedom for genuine peace.

The Archbishop acknowledged Bishop Patrick Byrne's role in fostering dialogue during challenging times in Korea's history.

The Substitute of the Secretariat of State concluded by expressing gratitude to all involved in organizing the event, emphasizing the imperative of promoting peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, and invoking a prayer for the nation's prosperity and unity.