Bishop Simon Ju-young Kim of Chuncheon with Bishop Bernard Paul
By Y.K. Ng
Feb 28 2023
MASAI – Bishop Simon Ju-young Kim of Chuncheon in South Korea paid a courtesy call to Bishop Bernard Paul at the MAJODI Centre on February 3.
The prelates met at Bishop Bernard’s office, exchanged gifts, and had a brief discussion before visiting the diocese’s Centre of Heritage and History of Malacca Johore, located in the MAJODI Centre premise.
Bishop Simon visited the Johor Korean Catholic community and celebrated Confirmation Mass for 15 confirmands. The Korean prelate said, “I appreciate the hand of friendship and the welcome Bishop Bernard and the diocese have extended to the Korean Catholic Community in Johor Bahru. Many Koreans have made their home here, and we must take care of their pastoral needs.”
Bishop Bernard said, “It is an affirmation of a friendship marked with love, understanding, and dialogue between our peoples and culture. This meeting expresses Pope Francis’ call for us to be a ‘synodal Church’. We must commit ourselves to be an Asian Church that journeys together.”
Bishop Simon was accompanied by his priests and some members of the Korean community in Johor. The leader of the Korean Catholic community of Johor, Simon Oh HyunSik said, “The Korean community is very happy with the Malacca Johore community. Today’s meeting is not just about shaking hands and saying hello. It can deepen the relationship between our communities. Perhaps Bishop Bernard can visit Bishop Simon in Korea one day.” – Herald Malaysia
