From January 14 to 23, 2025, Junior Sisters in Incheon Province gathered under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope on the Path of Peace’ in accordance with the theme of the Jubilee year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ declared by Pope Francis.
This year, Four Vietnamese sisters and five Korean sisters participated, and we spent meaningful time together in prayer in a very creative way, faith-sharing, listening to one another’s life stories, and doing common work for the service of the community. Our prayers were creative, and our shared moments strengthened the bonds among us.
As pilgrims of Hope, we went to Gwang-Ju, a city that remembers the people who suffered for the liberation of South Korea on May 18, 1980. There, we learned the courage to love the country and care for our common home. These were seeds of hope, sown in our hearts, which will continue to grow.
We also went to Sura, one of the five largest mud flats in the world, where we marveled at the beauty of nature. Unfortunately, much of the area has been blocked for road construction and other human activities. Together with other Notre Dame sisters (SND) in Korea, we met an ecologist, Mr. Oh Dong-Pill who is working tirelessly to protect the mud flats and the creatures that inhabit them. We had a chance to listen to his explanation of the mudflat then attended the Mass with many others to pray for the protection of nature. This encounter with creation and with one another inspired and empowered us to continue our journey to safeguard Mother Earth.
Above all being together was a profound sign of hope. It kindles in us the power of hope in God, our Father. May our Good and provident God keep the fire of hope alive in each of us, and may the Holy Spirit guide us so that, on our journey, we may become a sign of Hope to one another.
by Dreamhost