The pre-Christmas programme and Holy Mass was organized by the Committee for Korean Reconciliation of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Many North Korean Catholic refugees, currently living in South Korea attended the program and prayed together for peace and unity. A refugee said in a prayer during the Holy Mass,

“Please open the way for hidden believers who are trying to maintain their faith in North Korea to live a free religious life as soon as possible.”

The program was attended by priests, laity from the archdiocese and Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul. Many refugees and their children from shelter homes run by the archdiocese visited the event and celebrated together.

The program included a children’s choir singing Christmas carols and gift giving by volunteers dressed as Santa Claus.

One of the organizers of the event – vice-chairman of the Committee for Korean Reconciliation of the Archdiocese of Seoul – Father Jeong Soo-young, urged the refugees not to give up hope and pray for their loved ones still living in North Korea.

Source: UCAnews