In South Korea, Franciscan Third Order has held the Transitus and Renewal of Vow ceremonies at the Gangchon Friary SSF. Located in the far northeastern part of the country—much like Alnmouth Friary in the United Kingdom—Gangchon required a long journey for anyone coming from outside Seoul.
This year, however, the ceremony took place in Daejeon, which sits in the middle of South Korea. The location made it far more accessible for participants from the dioceses of Seoul, Daejeon, and Busan. The pastoral team of Daejeon Cathedral was deeply pleased that their church had been chosen for the event and welcomed us with warmth and hospitality.
From Gumi, Sr. Frances, the rector of Gumi Church, Sr. Jemma, and Bede tssf, the senior church warden, left in haste for Daejeon immediately after the Eucharist in order to arrive by the 3 p.m. ceremony time. Fortunately, traffic was light since it was the last day of the Chuseok holidays, and we arrived with time to spare. All six members of CSF and SSF attended that day.
Some of the young members of the Daejeon Cathedral, curious about the event, also attended the ceremonies. During the fellowship afterward, they spoke of having felt an inexplicable sense of awe during the service.
Watching the members solemnly place their Rule upon the altar, kneel, and renew their vow was deeply moving. It was evident that they had prepared with care through several planning meetings and communications with the First Order, each practicing their assigned parts with devotion.
We sisters, who had previously guided some members through their novice formation and knew most of them well, were deeply moved by how earnestly they carried out their roles and sincerely renewed their vows. It was like the heart of parents moved to see their children mature in the world and fulfill their respective vocations.
Later, while on the phone with several members, I heard how much richer and more grace-filled the ceremony was when the Third Order and the First Order participated together. We shared their joy because we felt the same emotion. In Korea, while the First Order members of Gumi (CSF) and Gangchon (SSF) are few in number, they are well-trained through long communal life, whereas the Third Order members are more scattered and disorganized. However, gatherings like this helped the Third Order members rediscover their potential. That day, we realized that our Franciscan identity shines more brightly when we stand together. We pray that the Franciscan Third Order in Korea may continue to be strengthened and built firmly upon the rock.
