"Again into the light!" This is the theme of a special event that is being held in Wonju in September to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late bishop who was born in Chunghwa County, North Hwanghae Province, in 1921 and passed away on March 12, 1993.
He was ordained a priest on Dec. 15, 1952, and was consecrated as the first diocesan bishop of the diocese of Wonju in 1965. "Fiat Lux" (Let there be light) was his pastoral slogan throughout his life.
"Again into the light," a meaningful project to be the light and salt of the world again, aims to remember and carry on the spirit of Ji, who devoted himself to laying the foundation for education, welfare, and culture, while paying attention to areas of the region that needed help.
Including the Corporation of Daniel Ji Hak-soon, 28 organizations such as the Gangwon Newspaper, the Catholic Church of Wonju Lay Apostolic Council, Juspeace, Bright Credit Union, Wonju Cultural Center, and Sangji University jointly prepared this event. For three days from Sept. 14, an academic conference is being held at Sangji University with the theme of "Memory: the Life and Activities of Bishop Ji Hak-soon."
Various events, including exhibitions of photos and relics of the bishop, art works and performances by the "Modugol" clown group are set to take place. A busking performance, academic conference and a procession in honor of the bishop are also scheduled among other events.
Inheriting the spirit of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the bishop devoted his life to realizing a church that strives for the welfare, peace, and salvation of mankind through reconciliation and renewal. To help people become self-reliant through education, he established the Jinkwang Private School and Catholic Center. In 1969, the Jinkwang Cooperative Educational Institute was established within the school to promote the credit union movement. The credit union offered financial aid to poor students, parents and teachers, and taught students the necessity of financial activities and savings.
In addition, Wonju Catholic Hospital was established to provide welfare and a medical infrastructure, and the Wonju Catholic Social Welfare Society and Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Service were also established. The first credit cooperative was planned to construct a society promoting mutual aid among farmers and economic independence for local residents.
In the 1970s, Ji took the lead in pro-democracy movements such as the Realization of Social Justice and Contest against Corruption, and the Declaration of Conscience.
"You are the salt of the Earth… You are the light of the world… Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds …"(Matthew 5:13-16).
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (fsp.pauline.or.kr.) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication.