2021 ‘Requiem Mass for Sogang Family’

▲ President Sim Jong-hyeok (center) presiding over the Requiem Mass

On Tuesday, November 2, at 7 pm, the 2021 ‘Requiem Mass for Sogang Family’ was held at the auditorium of St. Ignatius House. The Mass was officiated by President Sim Jong-hyeok and was jointly held by Chairperson Park Munsu, former Chairperson Kim Jeong-taek, Director Woo Jae-myung of the Society of Jesus, Dean Kim Sang-yong of Campus Ministry Affairs and Jesuit priests from the Society of Jesus in the attendance of 70 people from the Sogang family, all of which were following the current social distancing regulations.

In Catholicism, November is known as the ‘Month of the Holy Soul’ and is used to commemorate those who have passed away. On November 2, the Church celebrates ‘All Souls’ Day’ with a Mass to pray for eternal rest and peace of those who are deceased, as well as to comfort the living.

The Mass this year comprised of incense burning, reading, a homily, the liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion. President Sim Jong-hyeok commenced the homily with greetings of hope that the living and the dead would be united in peace through Christ.

President Sim communicated the essence of the Mass by explaining, “At today’s Mass, we remember and honor the spirits of 1,373 Sogang alumni, professors, staff, supporters, and family members, as well as all other souls. As part of the Sogang family, let us pray that all those who have passed away rest in the eternal peace of God." He later went on to say, “Yesterday (November 1) was ‘All Saints’ Day,’ and today is a day to honor all of those who have crossed over into the afterlife. I hope it will be a time of reflection and to ponder on the meaning of life and one's own direction in both life and death." He concluded the homily by asking the congregation to never stop praying and to maintain their devotion and love in their daily lives so that the dead can receive eternal life.

▲ List of Sogang Family to be commemorated

Through the Mass presided by President Sim, the Sogang family were united in their hearts and prayed for the dead, the dying and the living. For the people of Sogang it was a time for hope in achieving peace and realizing the values and love of Sogang in their lives and to strive for eternal light and rest in the arms of the Lord after they pass away.

Dean Kim Sang-yong of Campus Ministry Affairs said, "I will pray with all my heart for the peace of the Sogang community and for the noble souls of the 1,373 Sogang families who have departed." In the closing statements of the Mass, Dean Kim Sang-yong communicated his appreciation and thanks to all the attendees.