Lord, my Light and my Savior! Love is beautiful and sweet, but it is also 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.
~ Prayer by Julia Kim, the visionary of Our Lady of Naju.
On June 30, 1985, the Blessed Virgin Mary began weeping through a statue owned by Julia Kim in Naju, South Korea. Since then, messages have been given and numerous miracles have been reported, calling the faithful to repentance and a return to God.
Celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Blessed Mother’s Weeping of Tears with Mama Julia Kim and pilgrims from around the world. Join a 6-day Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of South Korea with Our Lady of Naju, led by Fr. Franz G. Aquino, from June 28 to July 3, 2026.
Your pilgrimage begins in Solmoe, the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean Catholic priest and martyr. This sacred site is also regarded as the cradle of Catholicism in Korea.
Continue to Naju, home of the miraculous weeping statue of the Blessed Mother at the House of the Blessed Mother. Here, pilgrims pause in prayer and quiet reflection, entrusting their intentions to Our Lady of Naju. Make your way to the Naju Blessed Mountain. Prayerfully walk the Stations of the Cross and visit the miraculous spring known as the Naju Water of Graces. Believed to carry God’s healing power, this sacred place has become a source of blessings and grace for pilgrims from around the world. In the evening, join fellow pilgrims for the special celebration of the 41st Anniversary of the Blessed Mother’s Weeping of Tears, together with Mama Julia Kim. Holy Mass will be celebrated shortly after midnight.
Travel north to Haemi Martyrs Shrine, often called the “Graves of the Unknown Martyrs.” In this sacred place, nearly 2,000 faithful suffered and gave their lives for Christ during the persecutions of 1866–1882. Pilgrims gather here in prayer, remembering their courage and unwavering faith. The visit culminates in the celebration of Holy Mass at the Haemi Shrine Church, honoring the witness and sacrifice of these martyrs.
Next, visit the Mirinae Shrine, a place of quiet holiness where Korea’s Catholic heritage runs deep. Here rest St. Andrew Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first native priest and martyr; his mother, Ursula; Bishop Ferreol, who ordained him; and Vincentius Lee Minsik, the faithful layman who buried him with care. This peaceful shrine invites pilgrims to pause in prayer and draw inspiration from those who gave everything for their faith.
Head to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Namyang, also known as Rosary Hill. Once marked by persecution, this site has been transformed into a place of peace and prayer. Pilgrims are invited to walk the 20-decade Rosary Road, a serene tree-lined path where each step becomes a quiet prayer with Our Lady.
Your pilgrimage concludes in Seoul, the capital of South Korea and a city rich in history, faith, and the enduring witness of Korean martyrs. Visit Myeongdong Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul. Pilgrims gather here in prayer at one of the most important Catholic churches in Korea. Afterward, enjoy some free time to walk through the lively district of Myeongdong.
Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace and experience wearing the traditional Korean hanbok, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. The pilgrimage then proceeds to Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine, also known as “Beheading Mountain,” a place sanctified by the blood of many who gave their lives for Christ during the Byeongin Persecution. Today, the shrine stands as a place of prayer and remembrance, honoring the courage and steadfast faith of Korea’s martyrs.
As this pilgrimage draws to a close, may the witness of these holy places deepen your faith and renew your heart. Celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Blessed Mother’s Weeping of Tears with Julia Kim and pilgrims from around the world. Join a 6-day Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of South Korea with Our Lady of Naju, led by Fr. Franz G. Aquino, from June 28 to July 3, 2026. May Our Lady walk with you every step of the way and lead you ever closer to her Son, Jesus.
