SEOUL (SE): “As we convene for this symposium, we are called to reflect upon the life and virtues of Cardinal Kim, striving to emulate his extraordinary example,” said Bishop Job Jobi Koo as he opened the 2025 Symposium on the Beatification Process of Servant of God Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, the Committee for Communications of the Archdiocese of Seoul reported in a press release.
People from across the Catholic community in South Korea assembled in Seoul for event which was hosted by the Committee for Promotion of Beatification and Canonisation and the Research Foundation for Korean Church History.
The event included important talks by Bishop Koo, who leads the Committee for Promotion of Beatification and Canonisation, and Father Bogusław Stanisław Turek, the undersecretary for the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Andrew Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung was also there, highlighting the importance of the symposium.
Bishop Koo paid tribute to Cardinal Kim by reflecting on his phrase “Homme mangé,” [man consumed] meaning a life devoted to serving others. He emphasised the cardinal’s philosophy of selfless dedication and encouraged participants to uphold these values in a society that tends to prioritize self-interest.
As we convene for this symposium, we are called to reflect upon the life and virtues of Cardinal Kim, striving to emulate his extraordinary example
Bishop Koo
“As we convene for this symposium, we are called to reflect upon the life and virtues of Cardinal Kim, striving to emulate his extraordinary example,” he said, emphasising the cardinal’s enduring influence as a model of self-sacrifice and love within the Christian community.
Father Bogusław Stanisław Turek, in his keynote address titled, “The Causes of Korea – Some Reflections,” spoke of how the legacy of the Korean martyrs inspired the cardinal’s work. He shared stories from his own life and emphasised the ongoing impact of these martyrs, showing the wider importance of sainthood in the Church.
Father Turek underscored the distinctive role of martyrs and saints in the Church as exemplars and intercessors.
“Saints provide powerful examples of Christian living and serve as advocates for the faithful through their intercessory roles,” he noted. He emphasised the enduring influence of their sacrifices in fortifying faith communities worldwide, particularly in Korea, where their testimonies are an essential part of the Church’s narrative.
In his special lecture, “Praying to the Saints, Blesseds, and Servants of God,” Father Turek explored the intricate bond between the Church on Earth and the communion of saints.
Saints provide powerful examples of Christian living and serve as advocates for the faithful through their intercessory roles
Father Turek
He detailed the theological underpinnings for the veneration of saints, quoting Lumen Gentium [the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church]: “It is supremely fitting, therefore, that we love those friends and coheirs of Jesus… that we may be inspired by their examples, seek their assistance, and benefit from their intercession.”
Father Turek explained that invoking saints is not primarily about seeking miracles, but recognising their closeness to God and their ongoing role as our guardians. It highlights the importance of their intercession as a vital aspect of God’s plan, emphasising that we invite them to intercede for us and the world.
This tradition enhances Catholic spirituality, promoting a shared faith that connects the faithful with the heavenly witnesses who preceded them. He asserted that the heritage of the saints acts as a vibrant testament to divine love and strength.
In closing his lectures, Father Turek cited the thoughts of theologian, Karl Rahner, regarding how saints remind us of the unique commandment to love and serve both God and our neighbours.
“When we pray through the saints, we engage in the communion of saints—a union of prayer that embodies divine love,” he said, inviting attendees to further engage with this spiritual heritage. Through the saints’ intercession, we not only seek their companionship in prayer but also reaffirm our dedication to living out their remarkable example of faith and compassion.
The symposium reiterated the essential role of sainthood and service in inspiring believers and societal transformation. The Catholic Church’s journey towards Cardinal Kim’s beatification is profoundly enriched by his legacy, urging all to follow a path of service and fidelity.
