Tag: CatholicChurch

#faith

Pope Leo Welcomes South Korea’s Ambassador to the Holy See

allycaralgoa

Pope Leo welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Holy See, Hyung Sik Shin, during an official audience at the Apostolic Palace, reaffirming the long-standing diplomatic and spiritual relationship between the two nations.

The Holy See and South Korea formally established diplomatic relations in 1963, a partnership that has continued to grow over the decades through dialogue, cooperation, and shared values rooted in peace, reconciliation, and human dignity.

Relations between the Vatican and South Korea have been further strengthened through historic papal visits. Pope St. John Paul II visited the country twice, in 1984 and 1989, playing a significant role in encouraging faith, unity, and social responsibility among the Korean faithful. Pope Francis also made a landmark visit in 2014, leaving a lasting impact through his message of compassion, youth engagement, and solidarity with the marginalized.

During the meeting, the audience reflected the continued commitment of both sides to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, particularly in areas of peace-building and the promotion of humanitarian values.

The Holy See maintains a close bond with the Catholic community in South Korea, one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing Catholic populations in Asia, and continues to support dialogue and harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

#faith

Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Celebrated with Grandeur at Vailankanni

allycaralgoa

The Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, lovingly known as Our Lady of Vailankanni, was celebrated with immense devotion, grandeur, and splendor, reaffirming its place as one of the most significant religious events in India’s Christian calendar.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad gather at the Vailankanni Shrine, also referred to as the “Lourdes of the East”, to participate in the novenas, processions, and Eucharistic celebrations. The annual feast is more than just a religious event — it is a festival of faith, hope, and unity that brings together devotees of all ages and walks of life.

This year’s celebrations were marked by elaborate liturgical services, colorful cultural expressions, and the participation of priests, religious leaders, and faithful who came together to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Good Health. The shrine town of Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu was transformed into a sea of devotion, as hymns of praise and prayers echoed across its basilica and surrounding streets.

For generations, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health has been a symbol of faith and healing, with countless devotees attributing miracles and blessings to the intercession of Mother Mary at Vailankanni. The celebrations continue to reflect the deep-rooted devotion and cultural richness associated with this Marian shrine.

The feast not only strengthens the spiritual life of the faithful but also promotes a sense of solidarity and community, making Vailankanni a beacon of hope for millions.