Korea’s First Easter Mass

A Catholic Chapel Established in Bukchon’s Gye-dong

After arriving in Hanseong, Fr. Zhou Wenmo settled in the home of Choe In-gil in Bukchon’s Gye-dong. Choe converted one room into a Western-style Catholic chapel, which became the first center of pastoral ministry for the Church in Joseon.

Welcoming the Shepherd Sent from Heaven

A letter from Bishop Gouvea records that the faithful at the time revered Fr. Zhou “as though he were an angel descended from heaven.” Upon hearing the news, believers gathered from across the country to receive the sacraments. At Choe In-gil’s home, Mass was celebrated, and the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation were administered.

Uniting the Church in Joseon

Here, Fr. Zhou learned Korean, celebrated Mass for the faithful, and administered the sacraments. He also visited communities of faith in Yanggeun, Jeonju, and other parts of Chungcheong Province, teaching Catholic doctrine and strengthening the faith of the faithful as he laid the foundations of the Church in Joseon.

The Earliest Recorded Mass in Korea

On Easter Sunday, 5 April 1795, Fr. Zhou celebrated Korea’s first recorded Easter Mass at the home of Choe In-gil and distributed Holy Communion to the faithful. It was a historic moment when the sacramental life for which the Church in Joseon had long yearned was finally fulfilled.

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A Catholic Chapel Set Up in Gye-dong

The Catholic chapel established in the home of Choe In-gil in Bukchon’s Gye-dong. Using this chapel as the center of his pastoral ministry, Fr. Zhou celebrated Mass and administered the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation. At last, the Church in Joseon was able to live a full sacramental life with a priest.