The Shalom charism’s missionary presence in Asia continues to expand; already present in the Holy Land, the Philippines, and Taiwan, the Community will now arrive in Korea to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ and share the charismatic experience of God’s Love with the Korean people.
Seoul is one of the most populous cities in the world, with over 9 million inhabitants. It is an economic, technological, and cultural hub, blending modern structures with traditional elements like temples and palaces. The city’s pace is fast, and its infrastructure is highly developed.
Our Shalom Community has been assisting the Local Committees of World Youth Day since Madrid 2011, and Seoul will be no different. Answering the Church’s call, we are offering our service and for WYD 2027. Therefore, five missionaries from the Shalom Catholic Community will be sent to Seoul to provide all necessary for this global gathering of young people, which will also mark the beginning of the Shalom charism’s presence on Korean soil.
The five missionaries from the Community of Life who will depart for Seoul to establish this new mission are:
- José Carlos Pontes Pasternak Junior (Lisbon), Local Responsible
- Maria Angélica Zucareli Sousa (Diaconia – Formation Assistance)
- Paula Raquel Vanegas Calderón (Diaconia – Youth Advisory)
- Thulio da Silva Parazi (Rio de Janeiro – Catete)
- Vitória Maria Vale Oyama (Diaconia – General Office)
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The Catholic Church in Seoul is a minority but is well-organized and growing. It has a strong presence in education and social services. Parishes serve as spaces for gathering and . The Catholic community actively participates in pastoral and social initiatives, adapting to an urban and modern environment.
Young Catholics in Seoul are characterized by their active commitment and enthusiasm in preparing for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027, the largest international event for Catholic youth, in which the Community’s missionaries will be involved. Despite being a minority in a country where Catholicism represents approximately 11.3% of the population, these young people display vibrant faith and a strong sense of community. Their active participation in diocesan events and willingness to welcome youth from around the world at the WYD reflect their commitment to evangelization and their role as agents of change in South Korean society.
Witnesses of the Risen One in Asia
Below is the testimony of Community of Life missionary Vitória Oyama:
“I believe we have been and are enveloped by a great grace during this Easter season, starting with the Risen Christ Himself and His resurrection manifesting through recent events: the ing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Therefore, I believe that the announcement of this new mission for the Community, in service to the Church at WYD, is entirely connected to all of this. Just as the impact of Christ’s resurrection is a reality that sures us and cannot be measured, my expectation is the certainty that we will once again see the Risen Christ manifesting in a real, transformative, and surprising way in human history, this time in such a unique place through such a miraculous event as WYD.
Thus, being sent to the city that will host WYD—and above all, being able to serve and witness God’s action in the lives of so many young people—is for me a work of humility, surrender, poverty, healing, and renewal of my love for Christ and for all humanity. Still in Brazil, I begin to draw closer to the Korean people and, for now, am content with what the digital world can offer. Even though limited, this virtual knowledge already reveals much of the silent richness, resilience, nobility, and depth of a people I long to love and serve more closely.
May the Virgin Mary teach us always to hasten towards God’s will.”
