The Catholic Church's Archbishop of Seoul, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, has issued a message for the new year.
 
Asserting that hope stems from faith, Yeom said South Korean society should become more honest and a community overflowing with belief and trust.
 
The cardinal added that this year is the 150th anniversary of the Persecution of 1866 when the Korean Catholic community suffered a major persecution. 
 
He said the martyrs showed Koreans the way to respect God and to love their neighbors. He said despite hardships, Koreans should lead lives that look out for their poor and isolated neighbors.
 
He said he also prays that the grace of salvation reaches all parts of the nation, including fellow Koreans in the North. He asked that Catholics participate in the Archdiocese of Seoul's movement to pray for the Catholic Church in the North.