Fellowship Day
On May 23, we participated in the 2026 Fellowship Day of the Diocese of Andong. We, Pauline, held a mini bookfair showcasing spiritual books, arranged by the generous consideration of the Lay Apostolate Council in the front yard of the Indoor Gymnasium of Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province.
It was a day of unity, sharing and fellowship among the Most Rev. Bishop John Chrysostom Kwon Hyeok-ju, the priests and the lay people. About 1,250 people gathered to celebrate.
Among 41 parishes in the Diocese of Andong, 22 parishes participated in various sports and games such as tennis, dodgeball, "yutnori" (a traditional board game played with four sticks), "jegichagi" (a kicking shuttlecock) and "tuho" (arrow throwing game), among others.
To liven up the mood, the eight-member Kalos Ensemble from the Punggi Parish performed all day long in front of the gymnasium, praising the Lord with beautiful songs.
Just before the opening Mass, the Pungmul Troupe of Uiseong Parish did a 20-minute performance using traditional instruments such as the "gwaenggwari" (small brass gong), "jing" (gong), "janggu" (hourglass drum) and "buk" (drum).
The troupe performed the osaekcheonnori, a traditional Korean folk play. For this presentation, the five-colored long cloths were hung from a central pillar at the back of the Indoor Hall. The troupe held them and spun around in a circle to weave or unravel the colorful cloths.
This performance was prepared to liven up the atmosphere during the celebration through vibrant colors and to pray for a bountiful harvest and harmony in the community.
Sharing fellowship through various presentations, the Diocese of Andong realizes the conversion of relationships bestowed upon by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop John Chrysostom mentioned in his homily the three steps of caring for others in the touching story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37): approaching (see), listening (stop), and caring (touch).
The good Samaritan saw and came upon the victim, moved with compassion at the sight, approached him, poured oil and wine over his wounds, bandaged them, lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. Like the good Samaritan, God always reveals his merciful love by approaching us first, listening to our needs and faith, and taking care of our hurts and burdens in life.
“Go and do likewise.” Experiencing and witnessing the considerate and generous care for others, we are also invited to do the same as the good Samaritan did to a person in desperate need.
To be a mother for all, Bishop Chrysostom also visits the sick and prays for them. To be reborn as the house of God, parishes have pursued efforts to establish a care network for vulnerable families.
According to the pastoral plans of the Diocese of Andong, each priest is invited to be a companion and consoler for parishioners through pastoral ministry that reaches out first and listens to painful stories.
“Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.” (Luke 10:35)
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo), living and giving the good news to the world by means of social communication. Learn more about the congregation at fsp.pauline.or.kr.