a Pilgrimage Chaplain
April 21, 2025
South Korea
Lord, my Light and my Savior! Love is beautiful and sweet, but also is sacrifice and sweat. To make a beautiful flower of love blossom, I want to love even the bitter cold of winter and offer up the pains that visit me without ceasing, imitating the martyrs. I wish to be a comforter for You like a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies to bear many fruits.
~ Julia Kim, visionary of Our Lady of Naju.
The Blessed Virgin Mary began weeping through her statue owned by Julia Kim in Naju, Korea, on June 20, 1985. Since then, she has conveyed numerous messages and other miraculous signs, urging all her children in the world to repent of their sins and return to God. Our Lady has also called for conversion from a self-centered life to a life that is pleasing to God. Join a 6-day Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of South Korea with Our Lady of Naju with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on April 21-26, 2025. Experience the healing touch of Our Lady of Naju that overflows with God’s abundant love and graces.
Your pilgrimage begins with a visit to the Mirinae Shrine. The site holds the graves of St. Andrew Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic saint; his mother, Ursula; Bishop Ferreol, the third head of the Joseon Parish, who ordained St. Andrew Kim Daegeon to priesthood; and Vincentius Lee Minsik, who buried St. Kim’s body. This holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctuary.
Continue with your pilgrimage to Naju to see the weeping statue of the Blessed Mother at the House of the Blessed Mother. Pray the Stations of the Cross at the Naju Holy Mountain, site of a miraculous spring, referred to as the Naju Water of Graces, that has been instrumental in numerous healings.
Go to the village of Solmoe, where the first Korean Catholic priest, St. Andrew Kim Daegeon, was born. This is also the birthplace of Korean Catholicism. Proceed to Haemi, also called “The Graves of the Unknown Martyrs.” The Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where about 2,000 Catholics were buried alive during a mass persecution of Korean Catholics by the Joseon Dynasty between 1866 and 1882. Celebrate mass at the sublime Haemi Shrine Church.
Next stop is the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Namyang, also known as Rosary Hill. Here, a large number of Catholics were martyred during the Great Byungin Persecution. The opportunity to pray the rosary at the 20-decade Rosary Road, a picturesque walk bordered by trees and shrubs, is one of the highlights of your visit.
Head for the Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine, dedicated to those who gave up their lives during the Byeongin persecutions in 1866. Here, the Joseon government punished, targeted, and brutally murdered many French and native Korean Roman Catholics. Hence, the place became known as “Beheading Mountain.”
Wind down your pilgrimage in the beautiful city of Seoul, a city of stark contrasts steeped in ancient traditions and cutting-edge digital technology. Seoul is graced by the Han River, which flows through the center of the city, and the majestic Mount Namsan, which overlooks the whole city. Visit the Saenamto Shrine, a sacred place where thousands of Catholics, including St. Andres Kim Daegeon, were martyred.
Take a pause from your everyday concerns and embark on a life-changing journey. Join a Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of South Korea with Our Lady of Naju with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on April 21-26, 2025. May this pilgrimage be the stepping stone that will move all pilgrims forward and closer to Jesus.
Seoul is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. It is unquestionably the economic, political and cultural hub of the country. Today, Seoul is considered a leading and a...
SeoulSeoul is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.
It is unquestionably the economic, political and cultural hub of the country. Today, Seoul is considered a leading and a rising global city and is the world’s 4th largest metropolitan economy. Skyscrapers and high rises abound. It has become the headquarters for many international companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Kia.
The subway system is the third largest in the world and perhaps one of the finest, providing 4G, LTE, Wifi and DMB inside subway cars.
Solmoe is the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean Catholic priest. Upon entering the shrine, you will be able to see the house where St. Andrew Kim...
SolmoeSolmoe is the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean Catholic priest.
Upon entering the shrine, you will be able to see the house where St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon was born and raised. There you will learn about the martyrdom of four generations of the Kim family, including his great grandfather, his uncle and his father. The Kim clan produced as many as eleven martyrs.
At the heart of Solmoe Shrine is a boat-shaped church which symbolizes the Rapahel, a small boat the St. Kim arrived in. The arena and statues of the 12 disciples were built to commemorate the exemplary life of St. Kim.
Last August 2014, the Asian Youth Day was held here graced by the presence of Pope Francis.
Solmoe is also known as the Birthplace of Korean Catholicism.
Haemi is home to Haemi Fortress, Korea’s largest sacred ground. Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between...
HaemiHaemi is home to Haemi Fortress, Korea’s largest sacred ground.
Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between the Byeongin Persecution in 1866 and 1882.
At that time, Catholics were executed outside Haemieupseong Fortress’ Seomun Gate (West Gate). As it was difficult to execute them one by one, the martyrs were buried alive in a big hole all at once. When confronted with their death, the martyrs prayed while singing ‘Yesumaria’ (Jesus Maria). Because is also sounds like “Yeosumeori” (여수머리), the place was called ‘Yeosutgol’ as well.
The Blessed Virgin Mary began weeping through her statue owned by Julia Kim in Naju, Korea, on June 30, 1985. It is now housed in the House of the Blessed...
NajuThe Blessed Virgin Mary began weeping through her statue owned by Julia Kim in Naju, Korea, on June 30, 1985. It is now housed in the House of the Blessed Mother where Masses, prayers and devotions are held regularly.
Situated five miles west of the House of the Blessed Mother is the Naju Holy Mountain, site of a miraculous spring which has been instrumental for numerous healings. The place is a replica of Mount Calvary with a large Crucifix and statues of Our Lady, St. John, St. Mary Magdalene and a Roman soldier. Encircling the whole place is the Way of the Cross with fifteen stations. Frequently, the air on the Mountain is filled with the fragrance of roses.
The Mirinae Shrine holds the graves of St. Kim Dae-geon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother, Ursula; Bishop Ferreol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained St. Kim;...
MirinaeThe Mirinae Shrine holds the graves of St. Kim Dae-geon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother, Ursula; Bishop Ferreol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained St. Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried St. Kim’s body.
St. Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal St. Kim’s body with great difficulty. He carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae.
At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus.
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Namyang, also known as “Rosary Hill,”is one of the places where a large number of Catholics were martyred during the Great...
NamyangThe Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Namyang, also known as “Rosary Hill,”is one of the places where a large number of Catholics were martyred during the Great Byungin Persecution.
To memorialize their martyrdom as proof of their faith, Namyang was designated as a Holy Site on October 7, 1991, the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary.
The highlights and symbols of Rosary Hill are the ever-merciful appearance of the Namyang Holy Mother’s statue and the 20-Decade Rosary Road, which is a lovely path surrounded by trees and shrubs.
The “5 Joyful Mysteries” Road that resembles Mary’s own mercy may be mentioned as another outstanding feature at the Holy Site, all of which express the miraculous love and presence of the Holy Mother at Rosary Hill.
Reflect on Christ’s passion as you climb the Naju Holy Mountain and pray the Stations of the Cross.
Bring home water taken from the miraculous spring of the Naju Holy Mountain to share with family and friends.
See how you would look wearing a Hanbok, Korea’s national costume, on your visit to the Traditional Costume Experience.
Visit the historic Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Seoul and the first parish in Korea.
The Saenamto Church is an awesome church built in traditional Korean architectural style.
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The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.
Brenda
Hello Co-Pilgrims,
It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.
Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.
The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).
Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships; Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service; Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.
Ms. Emma
Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.
To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.
To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!
To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.
God bless us all always!
Albert and Adee
Dear Pilgrims' Center:
My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.
It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.
Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora
Leclec Cabusora
My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.
Ann Arguelles Cortes
Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.
Emily Bautista
It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!
Carmen Nierra
Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.
I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.
All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.
Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .
Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.
Cora and Vir Franca
I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.
Peter Joseph Mapua
The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...
Marlene Silvestre
1) A non-refundable US$ 300.00 deposit is required upon reservations together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure) and Pilgrim’s Profile plus the visa fee.
2) Full payment in U.S. dollars is required before ticketing but in no case shall it be later than thirty (30) days before departure date.
3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.
> Admin fee US$200.00 for any visa denial.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Philippine Travel Tax PHP 1,620.00, airport taxes, visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation (23 kgs), drinks, and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.
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