Relics from 230 years of Roman Catholicism in Korea are going on display for the first time at the Vatican Museum on Sept. 9, showcasing works such as a book written by Joseon era scholar Jeong Yak-yong and calligraphy by activist Ahn Jung-geun, among others. (Archdiocese of Seoul)
By Min Yea-Ji and Lee Hana
Relics that chronicle the history of Roman Catholicism in Korea will go on display for the first time in Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
Titled “230 years of Korean Catholicism,” the special exhibition will be open at the Braccio di Carlo Magno hall at the Vatican Museum from Sept. 9 to Nov. 17.
Introducing 230 years of Korean Catholicism through the ages, the exhibit deals with topics including the spontaneous acceptance of Roman Catholicism in Korea, the history of martyrdom and persecution, and the participation of the Church in modern Korean society. A record of testimonies from eight people who witnessed the capture of 16 martyrs will be displayed, as well as calligraphic works like “Worship of Heaven” (경천) by independence activist Ahn Jung-geun. Visitors will also get to see Jang Woo-sung’s painting of the Madonna and Child, with the Virgin Mary clad in a white Hanbok dress.
The exhibit’s opening date, Sept. 9, is the day that Pope Gregory XVI established Korea as an apostolic vicariate in 1831, making it a territorial jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. The exhibit will begin with the celebration of Mass by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Around 600 people are expected to take part in the Mass, including representatives from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Korea, the Vatican City State, foreign attaches from 83 countries, and youth delegations from 15 countries.
Korean Catholicism is the only evangelical movement in the world that witnessed spontaneous acceptance without missionaries. Pope Francis made note of this fact during his visit to Milan earlier this year, praising the regional stronghold.
“This year marks three years since Pope Francis visited Korea. The month of September, when the exhibit is due to open, is also the Month of Martyrs that commemorates the spirit of the martyrs,” said a representative from the Archdiocese of Seoul, explaining the significance of the upcoming exhibit.
A special exhibition that chronicles the history of Korean Catholicism will run at the Braccio di Carlo Magno hall at the Vatican Museum from Sept. 9 to Nov. 17. (Korea.net DB)
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