Deaf Catholics from 21 nations meet in Seoul on access, leadership and mission

Deaf Catholics from 21 nations gathered in Seoul for the 4th Asia Deaf Catholic Conference from Oct. 15 to 21. The event brought together 232 participants, including deaf believers, priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders, to discuss pastoral challenges and advocate for full accessibility during Church sacraments.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul presided over the opening Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral. During his homily, Archbishop Chung spoke about the dignity of every person and the desire of deaf Catholics to participate in the Church without barriers to liturgical unity. He noted that the variety of sign languages, ranging from regional dialects to International Sign, reflects the Holy Spirit's respect for different languages.

The liturgy included several concelebrants, such as Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the apostolic nuncio to Korea and Mongolia. Also participating were Fr. Park Min-seo, the first deaf Catholic priest in Asia, and Fr. Joseph Thermadom, the first deaf priest from India.