Mokpo Catholic Holy Site Memorial Tower: A Family Journey

During our family trip to Mokpo, we stumbled upon the beautiful Memorial Tower at the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site, and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

Just a few days ago, I shared our visit to the Sanjeong-dong Minor Basilica, also part of the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site. You can find that post here:

Our Visit to Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church Minor Basilica, Catholic Mokpo Holy Siteblog.naver.com

The Memorial Tower itself was filled with such beautiful and profound messages that I simply had to dedicate a separate post to it. I've been saving these photos, and today's the day to share them!

After parking, you'll find yourself at the top of the Memorial Tower, from where you can descend and immerse yourself in the beautiful illustrations and heartfelt messages.

The tower is designed with a winding path, much like the image above, allowing you to slowly circle down and absorb each artwork and message.

Even the ceiling was a sight to behold, truly impressive.

But enough talk – let's let the photos speak for themselves.

About Catholic Mokpo Holy Site

In November 1896, Bishop Mutel, the 8th Ordinary of the Joseon Diocese (Korea), toured the Jeollado region and made the pivotal decision to establish the Mokpo Parish, which is now the Sanjeong-dong Minor Basilica. On May 8, 1897, Father Cho Yu-do from the Paris Foreign Missions Society arrived as its first pastor. Coinciding with the opening of Mokpo Port, Mokpo Parish became the very first primary parish in the entire Jeonnam region, serving as a crucial hub for the early Catholic Church across both Jeonnam and Jeju.

In 1933, the Irish St. Columban Foreign Mission Society arrived, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Gwangju Diocese. Then, on April 13, 1937, Mokpo Parish was elevated to an Apostolic Prefecture – a distinct ecclesiastical district equivalent to a diocese – by the Daegu Apostolic Vicariate. Father Owen Im was appointed as its first Apostolic Prefect, and the diocesan office was established at 97 Sanjeong-dong, Mokpo City, which now houses the History Museum.

During the Japanese colonial era, both Father Patricio Mo, the resident priest, and Monsignor Owen Im, the diocesan ordinary, faced arrest, confinement, and imprisonment. Adding to the hardship, the parish and diocesan office were seized and used as headquarters by the Japanese military.

Tragically, during the Korean War (1950-1953), the site was again seized, this time by the People's Army for use as barracks. Three courageous priests who resisted were arrested and ultimately martyred in Daejeon. Today, this hallowed ground serves as a pastoral site where the beatification of Bishop Francis Borgia Hong Yong-ho and 80 companions, recognized as modern witnesses of faith, is currently under petition.

In 1953, the Legion of Mary was introduced here by Father Harold Henry, the 5th Ordinary of the Gwangju Diocese. This makes the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site the revered birthplace of the Legion of Mary in Korea.

It's clear that the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site has weathered many storms throughout its history.

Reviewing the pamphlet I picked up at the Holy Site gave me a deeper understanding of its profound history and significance.

This concludes our visit to the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site Memorial Tower, a truly meaningful stop during our family trip to Mokpo.

Putting this post together has really helped me grasp the full scope of what this sacred place represents.

Because of our tight travel itinerary, we only managed to visit the Minor Basilica and the Memorial Tower this time. However, on our next trip to Mokpo, I'm definitely planning to explore the Catholic Mokpo Holy Site History Museum and the Korea Legion of Mary Memorial Hall. And if the opportunity arises, attending mass at the Sanjeong-dong Minor Basilica would be a truly special experience.

Our parish priest always shares these heartfelt words during mass, a beautiful sentiment to carry with you:

I am sorry.

Thank you.

I love you.