The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul announced on Wednesday that it celebrated the 1,500th Mass for the Reconciliation and Unity of the Korean People at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on Tuesday. This Mass, which has been ongoing for nearly 31 years, serves as a prayer for reconciliation between North and South Korea and for peace to take root on the Korean Peninsula.
Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek, chairman of the Archdiocese’s Committee for National Reconciliation, presided over the Mass. The Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, Archbishop Giovanni Battista D’Aniello, and Archbishop Choi Chang-moo, the first chairman of the Committee, were also present. Distinguished guests, including Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young (baptismal name David), attended the event.
During his homily, Archbishop Jeong remarked that holding a regular Mass with a single purpose for nearly 31 years is unprecedented in the history of Korean Catholicism.
He acknowledged the current impasse in inter-Korean relations, stating that it’s unclear where to restart dialogue. However, he emphasized that the effort to understand and reconcile with the other side is not a sign of weakness or an unrealistic choice; rather, it is a courageous decision.
The Mass included a ceremony commemorating the 1,500th occasion. Father Jeong Soo-yong, vice-chairman of the Committee, provided a report on the journey thus far.
In his congratulatory address, Minister Chung stated that it is meaningful to pray together at this 1,500th Mass for the Reconciliation and Unity of the Nation in Myeongdong Cathedral, a place filled with the spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness, life, and peace. He added that if North Korean youth can participate in the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, it could mark a new opportunity for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
This Mass tradition began on March 7, 1995, when the late Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan celebrated the first Mass. It has continued every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. (South Korean time). Following the Mass, the Committee for National Reconciliation holds a Prayer for Peace and a Peace Sharing Prayer Meeting, which includes reciting the rosary.