hankyoreh

In the second day after Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-whan passed away, there seemed to be no end to the line of people waiting at Myeongdong Cathedral to pay homage to the person who had served as their spiritual leader for many years. “Before his death, Cardinal Kim said several times that he wanted his funeral to be simple and plain,” a funeral official said. “The funeral Mass to be held on Friday will be the same as what would be done for ordinary Catholics.”

In a press conference held at the cathedral in central Seoul, funeral organizers said that they have decided not to accept any wreaths or condolence money, as would be customary in Korea, according to the wishes of the late Cardinal Kim. “We didn’t even accept the wreath sent by President Lee Myung-bak. We will do our best to keep the funeral as simple and plain as possible.”

They said that Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegraph message, conveying his heart-felt condolences to the South Korean people for the death of Cardinal Kim. The Vatican has not yet decided on when it will send its officials to pay homage, they added.

Funeral officials noted that they are planning to retrieve Cardinal Kim’s belongings from his office and the hospital where he was receiving treatment and exhibit them to the general public. His body will be kept in a glass coffin equipped with a cooling system to allow visitors to pay their final respects, they added. His eyes were donated to patients who are awaiting cornea transplants.

Among those visiting the cathedral yesterday to offer their condolences were a number of dignitaries. President Lee Myung-bak, National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o, Grand National Party leader Park Hee-tae and Democratic Party leader Chung Sye-kyun were among them. Catholics and people of other faiths continued to visit the cathedral late into the night to pay homage to the late cardinal.

Funeral organizers said that the coffin rites will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday and a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday. The funeral Mass will be led by both bishops and priests. A memorial Mass will be held on Sunday.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]