*Seoul Archdiocese Reaches Milestone with Ordination of 1,000 Priests* On February 7, 2025, the Archdiocese of Seoul in South Korea celebrated a significant milestone by ordaining 26 new priests, reaching the era of 1,000 priests. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, who presided over the ceremony, urged the new priests to serve with true love and constant joy, reminding them of their role as collaborators of the bishop and the importance of embodying the Good Shepherd's example.The creation of the Archdiocese of Seoul dates back 194 years, and with these new ordinations, the number of priests has now reached exactly 1,000. The local Church has a long history of ordaining priests, with St. Andrew Kim Taegon being the first Korean to receive holy orders in 1845. Notably, the recent ceremony also marked the ordination of the second deaf Korean priest, Father Kim Dong-jun, who expressed his desire to serve the deaf community with sensitivity and warmth. Father Kim's first pastoral assignment will be as assistant pastor of Ephatha Parish, the first parish for the deaf in the archdiocese, and as chaplain of Aehwa School in Seoul. This milestone reflects the Archdiocese of Seoul's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and service to marginalized communities.With a total of 5,721 priests across South Korea, the local Church continues to thrive and grow. The Archdiocese of Seoul's achievement is especially notable as it prepares to host the next World Youth Day in 2027, further highlighting the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Catholic community in the region.This event not only celebrates the dedication and service of the newly ordained priests but also underscores the rich history and future potential of the Catholic Church in South Korea. The milestone serves as a testament to the enduring faith and commitment of the local Church to its mission and the broader global Catholic community.