The Archbishop of Seoul expressed support for two social outreach programs serving the homeless during a pastoral visit to Namdaemun Market Quasi-Parish on April 2.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taick celebrated Mass and blessed a newly established waiting room for the parish’s “Good Neighbors” initiative, which helps unhoused individuals earn income through delivery work.
Operated by the quasi-parish since 2000, “Our Multeo” is a shelter that provides services such as bathing, haircuts, laundry, meals, and clothing every Monday and Wednesday.
It serves homeless individuals and residents of flophouses in the areas around Seoul Station, Euljiro, and Namsan.
In his homily, the prelate acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the community and commended parishioners for their commitment to serving the poor.
“Namdaemun Market parishioners, despite difficult economic conditions, have provided this Good Neighbors waiting room to help neighbors in even greater need achieve self-reliance,” he said.
“I extend my deep gratitude to all volunteers and benefactors who helped create this space to assign work to our delivery brothers,” he added.
The Good Neighbors program began in 2018 to support the reintegration of homeless individuals by assigning them delivery jobs in the Namdaemun Market area.
From its launch until November 2024, over 30 participants have completed more than 1,200 deliveries. Support funds provided outside of wages have reached a total of 83.23 million KRW.
Most of the participants have since moved into goshiwons or flophouses, taking initial steps toward self-sufficiency.
Archbishop Chung acknowledged that some might question the parish’s commitment to serving the poor amid widespread hardship, but he affirmed the community’s work as a genuine expression of Gospel values.
He emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in supporting their most vulnerable neighbors.
He also highlighted the connection between the occasion and the spiritual meaning of the Jubilee Year, noting that “Our Multeo” was founded during the Great Jubilee of 2000 as an act of charity modeled on the early Church.
He pointed out that in the 2025 Jubilee Year, the new Good Neighbors waiting room represents a continuation of that mission by supporting the reintegration of the homeless.
“I ask for your continued prayers, support, service, and sacrifices so that our poor neighbors may feel the warm touch of God’s mercy,” he said.
Fr. Lee Jeong-hoon, parish priest of Namdaemun Market Quasi-Parish, described the new facility as the realization of a long-held aspiration.
He explained that the waiting room was established as part of the 25th anniversary of Our Multeo, providing a dedicated space for those who had started rebuilding their lives through flower delivery work with the help of parish volunteers.
“Moving forward, we will continue fostering fellowship among volunteers and those who have achieved self-reliance, and help them settle more stably into society,” the priest said.
