Mokseongdong pilgrimage 2025

In every archdiocese and diocese, holy shrines in memory of saints or martyrs are well-arranged to encourage faith among people. In Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, the best-known holy shrine is Ugok Shrine with its Chapel of Chilgeuk (Seven Victories) in memory of the life and philosophy of Confucian scholar Hong Yu-han (1726-85).

Several other holy shrines in Andong include Mawon Shrine with a beautiful story of friendship between Blessed Park Sang-geun Matia (1837-67) and Fr. Calais (1833-84), Jinanri Shrine where Ven. Fr. Thomas Choe Yang-eop (1821-61) passed away and Yeumok Shrine established by the families of Saint John Yi Yun-il (1823-67) and Seo Chi-bo Joseph (1791-1840).

For the Jubilee pilgrimage with the theme of hope in 2025, every Cathedral and holy shrine prepared a stamp for pilgrims. In Andong, Mokseongdong Cathedral has a stamp for visitors.

Mokseongdong Cathedral, located in a prime location overlooking the city, was established as Andong Chapel in 1921 and promoted to a parish in 1927. As the first Catholic Church that was established in Andong, it became the Cathedral of the Andong Diocese in 1969. In 1973, its name was changed from Andong to Mokseongdong.

Mokseongdong Cathedral became the center of the democratization movement along with the Andong Cultural Center until 1990. The Cathedral was reconstructed in 2004, and it will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.

In Mokseongdong Religious Town where Mokseongdong Cathedral is situated, other historic buildings coexist together. Andong Presbyterian Church was established in 1909. Other religious centers located in this area are the Confucian Culture Education Center where we can learn calligraphy, feng shui (geography of wind and water) and “I Ching” (Book of Changes).

Other centers include Daewon Temple (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) and Seongdeokdo Andong Gyohwawon (Correctional Center). Symbolically, representative religions such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholics and Protestants are mingled together toward peace and hope in the world.

Downhill from Mokseongdong Cathedral, there is a cozy and charming red brick building called the Andong Diocese History Museum. Opened in 2024 in memory of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Andong Diocese, this history museum invites us to learn about the life of Nongeun Hong Yu-han, the root of the faith of the Andong region, the beginning history of martyrdom, the founding of the Korean Catholic Church and the history of the establishment of parishes in the northern region of North Gyeongsang Province.

Pastoral items from various local parishes, materials from the Catholic Farmers Association of Andong Diocese, relics from past bishops, the late Bishop Dubong’s room, the corner for parish priests, missionary priests and religious orders and precious items related to the parish’s holy shrines and parish villages are on display. The history museum opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Another meaningful presence in this area is the Pauline bookshop. Just located next to the Andong Diocese History Museum, Andong Pauline, run by the Daughters of St. Paul, is waiting for people. Andong Pauline was launched in the Andong Diocese as the place of light on Feb. 20, 1994, to proclaim the good news of the Gospels. It opens Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Saturday, it closes at 5 p.m.

Each presence witnesses the truth that leads us to be free.

Kim Ae-ran is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo), living the Good News and proclaiming it with various means of social communication.