VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
My name is Tae-young Jeon and I am a seminarian of the Suwon diocese in South Korea. After studying for a year at Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, I finished Theology 2. This is my pastoral year (spent in service at a parish). Following this year, I will return to Saint Patrick’s. Then after two more years of study, I should be ready for ordination.
Why am I here in Hawaii? Looking back, it was my choice to enter the seminary in South Korea right after high school. But as to the choice of the place I should go after entering, that depends on my bishop in the Diocese of Suwon. My bishop sent me abroad to California to study theology. Although my characteristic is that I am quite shy, the choice was made to send me to experience and learn yet from another place. I was connected to Father Peter Miti, pastor at Resurrection of the Lord Church in Waipio, by Bishop Larry Silva who thought he could use a seminarian.
I like the passage in scripture where Jesus can be found praying before his suffering. He said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus does not want to drink of the cup; he does not want to do it. But at the end of his prayer, he does say “yes.”
I really like the factor that Jesus prayed before his suffering. I want to say “yes” like him because I love him and I want to follow his ways.
I was raised in the Catholic faith. As a child, I was taught who God is and how he loves us. I liked the church; I liked the people. I liked to stay there. I liked that on Sundays I was able to hang out with my friends in the church. I think it was from there that my faith was able to grow and grow. My family and the church, my going through life’s difficulties and then my entering the seminary have all been a part of the journey.
How do I pray? Find my strength? In prayer, I like to just sit and keep the silence. Even though I do not do anything, it is kind of like a meditation. During this time, I like to talk to God — like when I endure difficulties or suffering. I think of God as a friend sitting in front of me and I say everything that I want to say.
Sometimes, this may be in the form of complaints. Other times, it may be in expressing a kind of anger. Or, it could be words of thank you. Even though God keeps silence, doesn’t use words; even though I cannot get a direct answer, this type of praying gives me much consolation and peace.
Tae-young Jeon arrived in Hawaii on September 6, 2023.
