Catholic leaders, scholars, and the faithful gathered in Seoul for the 2025 Symposium on the Beatification Process of Servant of God Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan.
The event, organized by the Committee for Promotion of Beatification and Canonization and the Research Foundation for Korean Church History, featured keynote addresses from Bishop Job Jobi Koo, Chairman of the Committee for Promotion of Beatification and Canonization, and Fr. Bogusław Stanisław Turek, Under Secretary of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung was also in attendance.
Bishop Job Jobi Koo opened the symposium by referencing Cardinal Kim’s expression “Homme mangé”, describing his dedication to service.
“As we convene for this symposium, we are called to reflect upon the life and virtues of Cardinal Kim, striving to emulate his extraordinary example,” said Bishop Koo.
Fr. Bogusław Stanisław Turek delivered the keynote speech, “The Causes of Korea – Some Reflections,” in which he discussed the role of the Korean martyrs in shaping the Catholic faith.
“Saints offer profound examples of Christian living and serve as powerful advocates for the faithful through their intercessory roles,” he said.
In his lecture, “Praying to the Saints, Blesseds, and Servants of God,” Fr. Turek examined the theological foundations of veneration, referencing the Second Vatican Council’s Lumen Gentium: “It is supremely fitting, therefore, that we love those friends and coheirs of Jesus… that we may be inspired by their examples, seek their assistance, and benefit from their intercession.”
He noted that invoking saints is about acknowledging their role in faith rather than expecting miracles.
Fr. Turek added, “Their intercession is the highest service to God’s plan, and we invite them to intercede for us and the world.” He discussed the Catholic doctrine of the communion of saints and cited theologian Karl Rahner: “When we pray through the saints, we engage in the communion of saints—a union of prayer that embodies divine love.”
The symposium focused on Cardinal Kim’s role in the Church and the beatification process. Church leaders and participants discussed his contributions to faith and social justice as they reflected on his path toward sainthood.
