Yoon Attends Christmas Mass at Hyehwa-dong Cathedral... Wishes Happiness to Parishioners

by Lee Kimin

Published 24 Dec.2023 23:55(KST)

Attended Christmas Mass for 3 Consecutive Years
Shook Hands and Took Photos with Parishioners After Mass
Posted Christmas Message on Facebook
Yoon "Wishes Everyone to Enjoy Blessed Christmas Joy"

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 'Christmas Eve Mass' held at Hyehwa-dong Cathedral in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 24th, a day before Christmas.

According to Lee Do-woon, the presidential office's chief public relations officer, President Yoon celebrated the Christmas Eve Mass for 1 hour and 40 minutes at Hyehwa-dong Cathedral in the afternoon, participating with the congregation in activities such as adoring the nativity scene and offering gifts.

Previously, during his presidential campaign in 2021, President Yoon visited Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Christmas, and in his first year in office last year, he visited Yak-hyeon Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Lee introduced that President Yoon arrived early and was seated before the mass began to ensure the service proceeded smoothly.

After the mass, President Yoon shared the joy of Christmas by shaking hands individually with the faithful who were lined up not only inside the cathedral but also outside, wishing for the happiness of their families. He also took photos with children who requested to take pictures.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting worshippers at the Christmas Mass held at Hyehwa-dong Cathedral in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 24th, a day before Christmas. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Hyehwa-dong Cathedral was established in 1927 as Baekdong Parish (currently Hyehwa-dong Cathedral) after separating from Jonghyeon Parish (currently Myeongdong Cathedral). It has played a pivotal role in the Catholic faith in northern Seoul by branching out parishes such as Jegi-dong Parish (1947), Miari Parish (1948), Donam-dong Parish (1955), and Seongbuk-dong Parish (1975).

Additionally, Hyehwa-dong Cathedral is a treasure trove of sacred art, featuring the cathedral building completed in 1960, which was designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage No. 230 in 2006, as well as martyr saint paintings, crucifixes, stained glass, and holy water fonts created by church artists.

The Christmas Mass was attended by Yoo In-chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office; Hwang Sang-moo, Senior Secretary for Civil Society; and Lee Do-woon, Chief Public Relations Officer.

On Facebook that day, President Yoon wrote, "Two thousand years ago, Jesus gave up the glory of heaven and came to the lowest place on earth. He showed us great love by bearing our sins." He added, "Today, many people around us are practicing Jesus' love and nurturing the spark of hope. I and the government will also strive harder so that this small spark can blaze into greater love."