Seoul, South Korea, Aug 29, 2013 / 09:47 am
Pope Francis sent a message today to South Korea praising the country's decision to proclaim September as the "Month of Martyrs."
"The Holy Father was pleased to learn that the Archdiocese of Seoul has proclaimed the month of Sept. 2013 the 'Month of Martyrs' in commemoration of those who laid down their lives for the Gospel in Korea," read an Aug. 29 statement from the Vatican.
"His Holiness trusts that all who participate in pilgrimages during this month, aided by the prayers and example of the martyrs, will deepen their communion with the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life," continued the message signed by the Holy See's Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
In his remarks to the Archbishop of Seoul – Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung – the pontiff noted that he wishes the pilgrims to deepen their communion with Jesus "so we might share in the inestimable gift of eternal life."