GWANGJU, Korea (UCAN) -- The Korean province of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God has ordained its first two priests since the congregation began working in Korea 50 years ago.

Brothers Benedict Won Yu-chang, 52, and John Jung Yo-an, 40, were ordained on Nov. 18 at Imdong Cathedral in Gwangju (Kwangju), 270 kilometers south of Seoul.

Archbishop Andreas Choi Chang-mou of Kwangju presided at the ordination Mass. About 40 priests, 40 St. John of God brothers and 300 lay supporters also joined the liturgy.

Brother Michael Lee Kwang-su, who is in charge of vocations for the congregation, told UCA News that as his congregation's ministry to sick and alienated people expands, it needs priests for such work as administering sacraments to the sick. "So we decided to make two of our brothers priests."

Previously, he said, priests from nearby parishes came to conduct Mass and administer sacraments. "However, in urgent situations it was hard to find a priest," he explained, adding that "having priests in our congregation will help our apostolic work."

The Hospitaller Order started in Korea on Nov. 19, 1958, when five Irish members began relief and medical services among the many refugees and orphans still in need of assistance due to the 1950-1953 Korean War. Based in Gwangju, the order now runs a hospital, shelters for homeless people, homes for elderly people and welfare institutions for youths in Gwangju, Chuncheon, Damyang and Seoul. According to statistics kept by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, at the end of 2007 the order had 21 Korean and nine foreign brothers in South Korea.

Brother Pius Chang Hyun-kwon, the Korean provincial, told UCA News on Nov. 19 that although the order is a community of brothers, they can ordain priests when the need arises. "We felt this need, and prepared for the ordination on the occasion of our 50th anniversary."

Newly ordained Father Won told UCA News the local provincial asked him to become a priest in 2004. "I obeyed his will as the call of God. I will try to follow the charism of hospitality of my congregation in serving poor and sick people." Father Won studied theology at the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul and pastoral care in Ireland before being ordained a deacon in Rome last year.

According to Brother Chang, Father Won will be stationed at a shelter in Chuncheon, 75 kilometers northeast of Seoul. "Most of the homeless people in the shelter are in feeble health. Some have mental problems. He will care for them," the provincial said.

Father Jung, the other newly ordained priest, will serve at a youth welfare center in Seoul and take charge of getting financial support for the congregation. "As a mendicant order, it is important for us to get support for our services. I expect the priest will play the role effectively," Brother Chang said.

Speaking with UCA News, Father Jung describes being one of the first Korean priests of his order as a "grave burden." Nonetheless, he promised to "carry the 'cross of hospitality' with delight, and work hard for the poor and the sick."

At the ordination Mass, Archbishop Choi praised the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God for their hard work in the past 50 years, saying its members are fulfilling Jesus Christ's work in society. "The ordination of two priests is a special gift from God for their 50th anniversary. They will be a big help for local Church and the congregation," the archbishop added.

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