Goheung County Pays Tribute to "Marianne," the Angel of Sorokdo, During Visit to Austria

Expressing Gratitude While Honoring a Noble Spirit of Volunteerism That Transcended Borders

Goheung County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced on the 18th that on the 13th, it visited Marianne Steiger (92), known as the "Angel of Sorokdo" for her 43 years of dedication and love on Sorokdo Island, the family of the late Margaret Pisarek, and the Austrian Catholic Women's Association, which provided financial support for their volunteer work at the time.

Marianne and Margaret were nurses who devoted themselves to volunteer work on Sorokdo Island from 1962. They returned to their home country, Austria, in 2005. Margaret passed away in 2023, and Marianne is currently living in Austria.

- Gong Youngmin, Governor of Goheung County, is meeting with Marianne Steiger in Austria, expressing gratitude and having a conversation. Provided by Goheung County

Governor Gong Youngmin said to Marianne, "I am truly grateful to see you in good health. On behalf of the residents, I would like to express my gratitude for the unconditional love you showed on Sorokdo Island," adding, "We will do our best to carry on your spirit and make Goheung County a sacred place for volunteerism."

Marianne repeatedly expressed her gratitude and said that she always prays for Sorokdo Island, Goheung County, and world peace.

Meanwhile, to honor their dedication and love, Goheung County appointed the two as honorary citizens in 2016 and has been providing them with a monthly living stability pension from the county's own budget to support a stable life in their later years.

In addition, the county is carrying out various initiatives to widely promote and continue the noble spirit of sacrifice and volunteerism shown by the two, such as operating the Marianne & Margaret Sharing Training Center, presenting volunteer awards, and running a youth volunteer school.

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