Metropolitan Ambrose-Aristotle Zographos talks to Catholic deacons who visited St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea on June 22. (Photo by The Catholic Times of Korea)
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea organized a special pilgrimage for Catholic deacons to learn more about other religions and Christian denominations.
Deacon Philip Chang Kyeong-bok of Seoul Archdiocese said the June 21-23 pilgrimage was a way of understanding other religions' teachings and helping Catholic clergy clear up any false prejudices they may have.
"It was a good chance to know other religions," he said.
Over 140 deacons from 15 dioceses and eight religious institutions took part in the three-day annual pilgrimage which visited a range of sites. Among the places called upon were the Gangnam Won Buddist Temple, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea, Hwagyesa Temple of the Buddhist Jogye Order, Seoul Central Masjid of the Korea Muslim Federation, and Seoul Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea.
Venerable Su-sam, head monk of Hwagyesa Temple, met with the deacons and said it would good if this type of event where people from other religions met up was part of ordinary life, not just a special occasion.
"I hope these young Catholic deacons grow up as good priests who can contribute to society and make society live together and love each other," said Venerable Su-sam.