Korean Catholics take a photo with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik at the Vatican. (Photos courtesy of Helena Lee)
By Helena Lee
Special to the Herald
It was a great privilege to be one of the Hawaii Korean Catholics to visit the Vatican Sept. 14-23 for the unveiling of a statue our fellow countryman St. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon.
Korea’s first native priest, he was martyred 177 years ago.
Five from the Korean Catholic community in Honolulu — myself, Stepano, Stepania, Vianney and Paula — joined people from Korea for the celebration.
It was a long trip. It took us 30 hours to get to our hotel in Rome. We participated in three big events in three days. First, we met with Pope Francis who welcomed and greeted us individually. It was such an honored and heart-moving moment.
Then we witnessed the unveiling of the statue of the Korean saint at the entrance of the Sistine Chapel. He was wearing the traditional Korean han-bok and hat.
Finally, we celebrated Mass in Korean with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik at St. Peter’s Basilica. I was so honored to participate in this event.
New statue of St. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon in traditional garb and hat. (Photos courtesy of Helena Lee)