On November 16, 2024, the first-ever Motus Christi retreat in Seoul took place, led by the Idente Missionaries—Fr. Michael Nam and Srs. Marisa Tsuchida and Reyes González—with the generous support of Fr. Michael’s parents and sister. This significant gathering brought together over 35 participants, including parish friends of Fr. Michael’s family, relatives, and friends of the Idente Missionaries.
The retreat was held at the historic Jeoldusan Shrine of the Korean Martyrs, making the theme—Living the Spirit of Martyrdom—particularly meaningful. Participants attended Mass, learned about the profound history of the Korean Martyrs, and engaged in small group discussions to reflect on the lessons from their lives. One participant, who identified as non-religious, expressed admiration for the martyrs’ unwavering sense of purpose, stating, “I admire people like the martyrs, who had a purpose worth dying for. I want to live with that kind of conviction.”
The day included inspirational talks and testimonies from the Idente Missionaries. Sr. Marisa spoke about embracing the spirit of martyrdom in daily life, while Sr. Reyes shared her personal journey of becoming a missionary. Fr. Michael encouraged the participants to trust in God the Father, reminding them that “He will surely bear fruit for those who labor and sacrifice for Him and for others.”
Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the retreat, highlighting the warm love and profound insights they experienced throughout the day. They were especially thankful for Sr. Marisa’s presence, who traveled from Japan for the event, and warmly welcomed Sr. Reyes, now residing in Seoul, South Korea.
This first Motus Christi in Seoul marked a significant step in fostering spiritual growth and unity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.
