Continuous Religious Memorials... Masses and Dharma Assemblies at Memorial Services

On the 2nd, during the national mourning period following the Itaewon large-scale crush disaster, visitors continue to come to the memorial space set up near Itaewon Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The religious community is also joining the memorial movement to comfort the souls of the victims of the 'Itaewon tragedy.'

On the 2nd, according to the religious community, the Won Buddhism Seoul District held a joint memorial service at the Hangang Temple in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Afterwards, young clergy members moved to the memorial site set up in front of Exit 1 of Itaewon Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to pray for the liberation and salvation of the victims' souls.

The clergy expressed their condolences, saying, "The Itaewon Halloween festival, which should have been filled with hope and excitement, became the final place for the spirits who ended their lives without even being able to ask for help. How can we possibly express in words the sorrow of the spirits who faced such sudden and tragic deaths and the grief of the families who had to send off their loved ones without any preparation overnight?"

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul also held a 'Day of the Dead' Mass at the clergy cemetery in Yongsan, Seoul, on the same day, praying for the repose of the victims of the Itaewon tragedy.

Archbishop Jung Soon-taek of the Seoul Archdiocese presided over the Mass and said, "I especially remember those who lost their lives in the Itaewon accident and wish to share in the pain of their families," offering his condolences.

In Catholicism, November is the month of the Holy Souls, dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased. November 2nd is observed as the 'Day of the Dead,' when Masses are held to remember all who have passed away.

The Korean Council of Ethnic Religions also expressed condolences in a statement on the same day, saying, "We express our condolences to all those who lost their lives in the Itaewon tragedy and hope that thorough investigations and measures will be taken to prevent such social disasters from happening again."

The Jogye Order will hold a 'Memorial Dharma Service for the Spirits of the Itaewon Tragedy Victims' at 3 p.m. on the 4th at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The service will be attended by key figures of the order, including Chief Executive Monk Jinwoo, to commemorate the victims and console the grief of their families.

Won Buddhism will hold a joint memorial service during Sunday Dharma meetings at temples and institutions nationwide on the 6th to pray for the salvation of the Itaewon tragedy victims' souls.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.