The Sacredness of Wonmeori Shrine and Shinpyeong Cathedral
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- blog.naver.com
As autumn deepens and the season of winter approaches, the landscape still shows the beauty of late fall.
Mornings and evenings are chilly, but the daytime warms up, making it perfect for travel.
On one beautiful autumn day, I visited Wonmeori Shrine and Shinpyeong Cathedral located in Shinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin.
Dangjin is home to many Catholic shrines, with well-known sites like Solmoe Shrine and Sinri Shrine, while Wonmeori Shrine remains lesser-known.
The rice harvest has passed, and now the fields are busy with the gathering of crops like beans and radishes, as autumn flowers bloom beautifully.
Wonmeori Shrine is just a 5-minute drive from the center of Shinpyeong-myeon, easily accessible from the roadside. There is a parking lot next to the road, with restrooms on the right and a signpost on the left.
On a fine autumn day, butterflies resting on chrysanthemums greet visitors at Wonmeori Shrine.
The name 'Wonmeori' is said to have evolved from 'Eonmeori,' which refers to the beginning of a levee built for land reclamation.
Historically, Wonmeori was a coastal village but transformed into a village in the middle of a plain due to land reclamation projects.
The shrine features a modestly recreated 'Wonmeori Shrine Gyeongdang,' resembling traditional thatched houses, which looks beautiful and inviting.
Inside, a statue of the Virgin Mary creates a solemn atmosphere, complemented by the scent of autumn from nearby chrysanthemum pots.
Candles lit by visitors flicker, prompting reflections on the faith of the martyrs.
The Catholic community in Wonmeori began forming in the late 1780s, overcoming social and gender barriers while sharing food and resources with the poor.
When the Byeongin Persecution occurred, 16 martyrs from Wonmeori emerged by 1868, with six of them martyred in Hongju and Haemi.
The community, destroyed by persecution, was reorganized in the 1880s as believers returned to engage in active missionary work.
Wonmeori and its surrounding areas grew significantly, leading to the establishment of Shinpyeong Cathedral in 1975.
The shrine houses the graves of martyrs, including Park Seon-jin (Marco) and Park Tae-jin (Matthias), who were martyred in 1868.
Their remains were moved to the shrine in 2009, having been preserved despite the absence of martyr relics.
A Stations of the Cross path has been established, adorned with pots of chrysanthemums, creating a fragrant atmosphere.
This sacred place, with its 14 stations, is invaluable to pilgrims.
Next to the parking lot, red roses bloom beautifully.
After visiting Wonmeori Shrine, a short drive leads to Shinpyeong Cathedral, built with red bricks, exuding a sacred and beautiful atmosphere.
In 2009, a memorial for martyrs Park Seon-jin and Park Tae-jin was erected, inviting quiet reflection.
Entering the cathedral, I bow my head in respect, reflecting on the martyrs.
Visiting Wonmeori Shrine and Shinpyeong Cathedral during this deepening autumn is a meaningful experience.
Wonmeori Shrine
Address: 261-57 Wonmeori-ro, Shinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do
Shinpyeong Cathedral
Address: 63 Shinpyeong-gil, Shinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224474279619
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