For compiling a dictionary on canon law, Father Joseph Rhee Chan-woo was awarded the 20th Catholic Academic Award at a ceremony held at Francis Hall in Myeongdong Cathedral Nov. 10.
The Canon Law Dictionary is the first such text in Korean that explains every aspect of church law.
"In today's society, haunted by secularism and relativism, we need to firmly settle our theological identity and church scholars are desperately needed in this task. The Catholic Academic Award has contributed by encouraging scholars to do their best work," said Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung in a congratulatory message.
Apart from Father Rhee's award, research and translation awards went to Father Peter Park Hyun-chang, professor at Suwon Catholic University, and Father Francis Lee Dong-ho of Seoul Archdiocese respectively.
Father Park won the prize for his research on modern pastoral theology and Father Lee translated the Theology of Body by St. Pope John Paul II into Korean.
Father Yi Ki-soo, president of The Catholic Times of Korea, said, "the church's academic research work cannot bear fruits in just one or two decades. However, the works of today's awardees will be a good fertilizer for future evangelization."
The Catholic Times, the foremost Catholic media organization in Korea, established the award to praise academic achievement and to encourage young scholars in 1997.