Where are you from, and how did you end up in Hungary?

I was born in South Korea, but my family moved to Vancouver, Canada when I was ten. I entered the group of missionary priests society called Priestly Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo in 2015 and was ordained priest in June 2023. Right after ordination, I was asked to join our mission here in Budapest!

Why did you choose to become a priest?

Since I was little, my dad always told me to seek what would make me happy. When I entered a minor/high school seminary back in Vancouver, I found an amazing group of friends, sharing lives together and seeking together what would make our lives beautiful and happy. Slowly, through community life and prayer, I recognized that He wanted me to serve the Church through the priesthood — the form of life that would ultimately make me happy.  

I believe that priesthood, like every other vocation, is about the calling God has chosen for us to fulfil our deepest desire to be happy.

How were you received in Hungary? How are you here?

Everyone was very welcoming, and also very curious to know how I ended up in Hungary all the way from South Korea – making pitstops in Canada, Italy, and England. It is great to be here: a beautiful city and and great parish where I am also an assistant priest. Slowly, I’m learning about the fascinating Hungarian history and culture. Of course, the language is something I still need to work on—it's definitely fascinating but also very complicated, nothing like the other languages that I know!

How were you received at Pázmány?

The students, colleagues, and staff at Pázmány surround me with great love. I've already met many professors and some students! In early September, I spent a day at the freshman camp at the Faculty of Humanities, and it was great to meet so many young people, full of curiosity and desire to learn and grow!

What is your priesthood motto, and why did you choose this one?

For my priesthood motto, I chose a verse from the Book of Psalms: “One thing I ask of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).

Along with this motto, I selected the icon of the Transfiguration painted by Theophanes the Greek. Both reflect the theme of dwelling, a home where one can encounter God together with friends.

How has coming to Hungary shaped your personality and pastoral approach? Have there been any difficulties?

I’ve been in Hungary for just a year, and the greatest challenge has been learning the language. Language is not only a means of communication, but it carries within it a whole culture and history. Since I cannot speak it as I would English and Italian, I am learning to be a little more simple and clear in what I say. It has been teaching me to be humble, listen to others and not be afraid to ask for help, which are all great!

What are your present responsibilities?

I have been serving as an assistant chaplain at the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Ferencváros for a year, where I live with three other priests from our community. Every Sunday evening, I celebrate Mass at 6 pm and help with the children's catechism group and the family group.

Starting this September, I also became the assistant chaplain at Pázmány University. I celebrate Holy Mass once a week, and help out Father Alessandro with the university's catechism group every Wednesday evening. I try to meet students as much as possible, to help them to get to know each other and share lives.

Of course, learning the language remains a crucial part of my daily routine, and I attend language classes three times a week.

What advice do you have for young people, and how can they reach out to you?

Naturally, anyone interested in deepening their faith or wanting to get involved in community life is welcome! But I am also open to discuss and talk about everything that has to do with our lives, from studies to relationships, to simply how things are going. I am convinced that Christian life is not simply about praying and attending Sunday Mass (which are all certainly important), but is has to do with our whole lives. Christians not only pray but also study, work, face difficulties and challenges, and also relax and spend quality time with friends. Ultimately, we are fortunate that the Christian faith offers a point of unity among all the different things that we do every day.

Can international students also approach you?

Of course! I speak English, Italian, and Korean (and I’m learning Hungarian). The Erasmus period is a beautiful period for the students, because you have opportunity to encounter a new culture in a new country. At the same time, it can also be a challenging period, where you have to leave behind friends and family, and begin to navigate a little in an unfamiliar place. I believe it is important to seek friends, with whom you can share joys and difficulties that are particular to this period

I am also happy to meet with other international students who will be staying here for a longer period of time as well. It is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture and history, and – this has been true for me as well – only when you encounter another culture, you are able to rediscover the beauty of your own history, what you have already inherited.

Welcome to Pázmány University, and I hope to meet and get to know you all!