Italy – The screening of "Resurrection" at the Lateran was a great success

01 October 2024

(ANS – Rome) – The screening of the docu-film "Resurrection" last Saturday, 28 September 2024, dedicated to the legacy of the Salesian Fr John Lee Tae-seok (1962-2010), a South Korean missionary in present-day South Sudan, was a great success and was watched by many people. In the presence of numerous authorities, including Card. Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, a ceremony took place that was no mere cinematic presentation, as was observed in the circumstance, but one that "celebrated life" in the fullest sense, underlining the value of those who spend their lives in the service of others in difficulty. There was also a large and beautiful participation of many Korean faithful and religious.

Before the screening, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime first greeted those present, telling them about when he himself visited Tonj, being particularly impressed by the fruits that Fr Lee's love continues to bring to these young people. He said he was proud of this confrere who dedicated his life to the needy and encouraged them to follow his example.

After the screening of the documentary, the other illustrious guests spoke from their different perspectives on Fr Lee and the importance of his legacy even today.

Among the speakers, the Hon. Hyunjoo Oh, Ambassador of South Korea to the Holy See, spoke first, highlighting the importance of the role of the mother. “The figure of the mother who awaits the figure of her son, this is the message we wanted to convey today" she said. "The love that Fr Lee dedicated to the needy, the weak, his followers, was then resurrected after his death. Surely his love will persist among all of us and will remain a source of inspiration for many."

The Ambassador then went on to say that every time she watches this film she always feels a mixture of emotions. "I had prepared a speech," she continued, "but it vanished in the face of so much emotion. However, I would like to thank the director deeply, for having been able to pass on the life of Fr Lee; and I am eager to see how Fr Lee's fruits are having an influence in the world. Finally, I would like to thank Fr Lee's mother (who recently passed away), who will surely be in Heaven now with her two children".

Immediately afterwards, the word passed to Fr Lee's family, specifically to his sister Cristina, who immediately expressed her gratitude for the number of people involved in the screening of the film. Cristina thanked the Ambassador for her speech and Card. Lazarus You Heung-sik, who has worked hard to raise awareness of Fr Lee in the Vatican.

"It is very touching to see that John Lee's life continues to fill hearts with God's love, to see the wonderful fruits it brings" said his sister . "I also want to love my neighbour, giving all of myself. As my mother said, it is important to love, forgive and apologise, even when the other person is wrong. Only in this way can you be really happy, "she added, before renewing a thank you to everyone for coming to the presentation.

Then Fr Lee's younger brother spoke,  a moving speech in which recalled anecdotes from their lives, such as their love of musical instruments. He spoke of how much John Lee composed songs, which his brother then sang. One of these songs was then sung in front of the audience, who greeted the composition with a long applause.

The Vice-Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University, Fr Kevin Otieno Mwandha, also wanted to offer his greetings, recalling that Fr Lee, before going to South Sudan as a missionary, attended the UPS, and specifically the Faculty of Theology, graduating with a thesis on "The prayer of the Lord, God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and Father of all people". He recalled how, with his example of life, Fr Lee showed the mercy of God. He was an extraordinary missionary who believed in what he did.

The word then passed to Goo Soo Hwan, director, a Buddhist who spent 13 years following the life of Fr Lee. "This projection, today, was very significant" the director highlighted. "You will be very curious to know why a person of the Buddhist religion, like me, has studied the figure of Fr Lee for so many years. What I am sure of is that Fr Lee's life was a formidable life which moves people emotionally, going beyond every border of language, religion and geography".

As reiterated, again by the director, the example of this great missionary has begun a new generation of African doctors and collaborators who carry out his mission.

The success of this film is therefore very simple and realistic, without exaggeration... the emotions and words of each of Fr John Lee's Past Pupils were very touching, leaving many in the room in tears.

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