Museum of Father Choi Yang-eop: A Journey Through History
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- blog.naver.com
Located within the Baeti Shrine, the Father Choi Yang-eop Museum is an interactive museum that opened in 2014.
The overarching theme is the journey and companionship in the beatification and canonization of Father Choi Yang-eop. The building is said to replicate the exterior of St. Anthony's Church near the seminary in Macau where Father Choi studied.
The Yang-eop Bridge in front of the museum symbolizes the boat that Father Choi used to travel between Macau and Joseon.
Starting with the history of persecution, the exhibition begins in a space that introduces the history of the Korean Catholic Church. The walls are filled with depictions of persecution scenes, and solemn artifacts are placed in front, enhancing the atmosphere.
A timeline resembling branches of a tree allows visitors to see how the church has progressed over the years, highlighting the stories of individuals who maintained their faith despite persecution.
The lobby features white sculptures where visitors can sit and rest, and there are displays that resemble old maps.
Father Choi Yang-eop is the second priest of the Korean Catholic Church and is referred to as a martyr of sweat. Looking at the map helps visitors appreciate the distances he traveled.
Artworks and statues depict the priest walking, and a glass display showcases letters written by him.
In the third exhibition hall, visitors can experience walking alongside the priest. It features a video of the priest who walked 90,000 ri over 12 years for pastoral work.
The video presents the priest praying against a dark forest backdrop, inviting viewers to meditate briefly before it begins.
A straw-roofed hut is recreated in the next space, allowing visitors to see the priest celebrating mass inside an earthen-walled room.
Small display cases fill the walls, showcasing letters and Catholic artifacts from Father Choi Yang-eop.
Visitors can see a printed edition of the catechism published in Seoul, which is a book that explains doctrine in a question-and-answer format.
Along a long wall, a timeline exhibition commemorates the beatification of Paul Yoon Ji-chung and 123 companions. Beatification is the process of declaring a martyr or a person of high virtue as blessed, a step before sainthood.
Reading the explanations and watching the videos takes time, so it's advisable to take a leisurely tour. After visiting, there is a self-service café where visitors can relax, making it a perfect stop for a pilgrimage.
Located in Jincheon-gun, Baeti-ro 663-13, this museum offers a meaningful experience for all who visit.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jincheongun/224467134133
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