Holy sites in Korea

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pulchraesamicamea

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Korea was one of the few countries which Catholics were persecuted for their faith- yes, for being Christians. Even during Japanese Occupation, Catholics were heavily persecuted and even executed. We saw the martyrdom of more than 8,000 Catholics- amongst them, about 200 individuals are now canonized.

About a few years ago, I was so blessed to visit the Jeoldusan Shrine, a site where countless martyrs were murdered for refusing to forsake our Holy Church. When I went on the site where the martyrs’ blood was spilled, I was so mesmerized and sad. I was able to venerate their relics as well. In the crypt, there were 20-30 remains of martyrs enshrined. I kissed the ground and said a prayer to the saints.

I’m also thinking of visiting the Mirinae Shrine. The Mirinae Shrine is a site where Catholics were buried alive, and some beheaded. It’s such a horrifying history that my ancestors were killed for their faith.

Martyrs of Korea, pray for us.

Did you guys have a chance to visit holy sites around the world?
 
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I’m saddened by your story. So instead, I’ll say a prayer for you and all Korean martyrs:

The Lord’s prayer:
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The Hail Mary:
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Thank you!
This Lord’s Prayer version is an outdated version- there’s a new version from 1990s now 🙂
But the saints in heaven will be pleased. Thank you for your blessing.
 
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I have changed the Lord’s prayer already, but I don’t know if that’s the modern one. 😉😉😉
 
Yes, that’s the modern one! Thank you.

I was looking into Korean Martyrology and back then the martyrs used a different version. It’s sad that they had to recite the prayer in secret, or they will be killed if caught.
 
I’ve been to Jeoldusan too, and hope to visit again on my next stay in Korea this coming October. It is an incredibly moving place.
 
Woah- that’s amazing. I wanted to attend Mass there but I wasn’t able to… glad you had an amazing experience there.
 
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Yes, it’s sad indeed.

Anyway, I’d like to share some photos of the church I usually go for pilgrimage. The place is called Wufengqi. It’s in Yilan, Taiwan. Only an drive from Taipei, where I live:

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This is the grotto beside the church where I always pray the rosary:

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It’s believed that the Blessed Mother once appeared here to the hikers during nighttime, and led them safely to the city centre.
 
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That’s beautiful, thank you for sharing.

It’s incredibly interesting as Catholics in Asian countries were rather persecuted for being Catholic.
 
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As far as Korea is concerned, I’ve only been to Seoul and Nami Island. And yes, I’ve visited and attended a Korean mass in the famous Myeongdong Cathedral. It’s quite big, but I’ve noticed that they don’t have kneelers there. Although, I must admit, I enjoyed shopping around the Catholic bookshops surrounding the church. Plenty of things to buy. Lol! 🤩🤩🤩
 
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Yeah, we don’t have kneelers in Myeongdong Cathedral. Instead, we stand.
I know- I love the Catholic bookshops. It’s so fun and so amazing to see all the sacramentals there lol
 
In fact, this will be my 5th time visiting Seoul this coming December. I’ll be staying there for 4 days. Hope I get to see more items to buy. 😜
 
Ah nice! There is a Catholic bookstore across Myeongdong Cathedral in an adjacent building. That store is much larger than the store right next to the Cathedral.

Blessings! Enjoy your trip!
 
I’ve never been to visit Korea or any of the shrines there. That being said, I have a friend who’s from Korea. She goes home to visit family fairly regularly and visited the shrine of the martyrs the last time she was there. She was kind enough to send me some pamphlets, as well as Jose Marie Escriva’s The Way in Hangeul. My Hangeul isn’t yet strong enough to be able to read it. But I have aspirations to read it one day… and to be able to hold a solid conversation in Hangeul as well.

The history of Catholicism in Korea is incredibly fascinating. I did some research recently for an article I was writing for the feast of Fr. Andrew Kim and the Korean Martyrs. I’d love to learn more. What an incredible witness to the power of the laity for spreading the Gospel.
 
My dear friend is a priest who lived in Korea. He celebrates Mass in Korean, I so miss those masses, the music, (and the dinner after 🙂 )
 
Such lovely pictures, thank you for sharing. I hope you enjoy your trip.
 
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