From Sept. 20-23, at Myeongdong Cathedral (Seoul), the Daughters of St. Paul organized a series of cultural events under the theme Healing and Hope, sponsored by the City of Seoul.
The central theme of these busy days was the Bible, which has greatly influenced human culture and the arts. Drum performances, concerts with commentaries, art lectures, painting exhibitions were organized to demonstrate and celebrate the Bible’s influence. Attracting special interest was the display of original paintings from the book Illustrated Stories of the Bible, by painter-author Sr Magdalena Kim Ok-soon, F.S.P.
The paintings were displayed alongside various objects from the biblical world including the model of a tabernacle, a replica of David’s sling bag, and an example of a basin for washing feet, so that visitors could better understand life in biblical times. The exhibition was further enriched by the presence of teachers from the Pauline Bible Institute’s e-learning and correspondence programs.
On September 21, a musical concert was held on the theme Musical Instruments in the Bible: harp, trumpet, and vocal music, showing the appeal of each instrument with Bible-inspired compositions. A commentary by philosopher and humanities expert Father Choi Jae-hwan John Baptist (Diocese of Uijeongbu) introduced participants to the understanding of each instrument and song.
On the same day, artist Julia Kim’s lecture on The History of Medieval Manuscripts explored the history of the development of biblical manuscripts and the process for making them.
On September 22, the Book Concert was held, a type of conference, with biblical scholar Fr. Song Bong-Mo Thomas, SJ titled When Life is Shaken by Suffering. It aroused as emotional response from the audience who felt comforted by the speaker’s words.
We hope that everyone who encountered the Bible in its various forms during these four days experienced the celebration’s theme: inner healing and hope in God.
