Han Myung-gu/World Picture Network

Korean bishop joins in clean up after the oil spillage

Setting an example of what he called "concrete charity," Msgr. Lazzaro You Heung-sik, bishop of Daejeon and president of Caritas Korea, and the priests of his diocese spent Thursday helping to clean up an oil spill that is the worst ecological disaster in Korea's history, reports ReligionAndSpirituality.com. Prayers are needed at Christmas "but also concrete charity, first and foremost towards people and places dear to us. This is why I invite all the faithful of the diocese to do all in their power to repair the damage done by the oil spillage," he said in his Christmas message.

On Dec. 7, the Hebei Sprint, a Hong Kong based oil tanker,spilled over 15 thousand tonn of crude oil into the sea after coming aground along Taean harbor. The Korean government said it was the "worst ecological disaster" in the nation's history.

The prelate expressed his "profound concern for the pollution of the waters and environment, which greatly affect the lives of those living along Korea' western coast. We must do all we can to repair the damage." To set an example, Msgr. You spent Thursday cleaning the beach nearest his residence together with all of the priests of the diocese.

Local parishes are involved in the cleanup while Caritas from Seoul provides food for the volunteers and care for the wildlife affected by the spillage. The Association of Superiors for Female Religious also sent many sisters to the area and has set aside 12 million won for relief items.

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[01/03/2008]

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