South Korea - Symposium on St. Francis de Sales
Seoul, South Korea - November 2022 - The Salesian Province of South Korea (KOR), led by Provincial Fr. Timothy Choi, organized a symposium to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales. The event involved the whole Salesian Family and was shared by the local Church in various ways. The symposium was held in the KOR Provincial House, organized by the Don Bosco Youth Spirituality Research Center, directed by Fr. Moses Yoon, and involved 100 people in attendance and others who connected through the SDB Korea YouTube channel. The figure of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was presented against the current backdrop of our post-covid times, with a threefold focus on the pastoral, educational, and spiritual impact of the Salesian saint. Among the six speakers was the Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul, Msgr. Job Koo Jobi, in charge of consecrated life, Fr. Jeon Young-jun, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at "Catholic University," Fr. Moses Yoon-man-geon, SDB, professor at "Catholic University," Ms. Kim Kyong-lee, professor of "Catholic University," Ms. Lee Mee-yong, Director of the Center for Theological Research, and Prof. Celestino Yoon, Salesian Cooperator, former Provincial Coordinator. A final panel discussion with all speakers present was moderated by Don Bosco Park, SDB. In addition to highlighting the person, spirituality, pastoral charity, and pedagogical contribution of the Savoyard saint, the speakers focused on the current impact and resourcefulness of his spirituality for the laity, for education, and for spirituality in the Korean Catholic Church during this post-Covid time.