This was the result of a direct initiative in Rome of the Augustinian General Chapter, the main governing body of the Order, in 1983.
Within two years of a commitment being made by the Province of
Australia and the Province of
England and Scotland to jointly sponsor the venture, the first community of four Augustinians was established in Korea at the invitation of the Diocese of Incheon.
As the two Augustinians of the Anglo-Scottish withdrew, personnel from the Philippines Province of Cebu began their collaboration in the Region in 1993.
As of the year 2010 there is a reduced total of three foreign-born Augustinians assigned to Korea, one from Australia and two from the
Province of Cebu (Philippines).
The Region accepted their first Korean candidates in 1990 and still regards the task of training these first indigenous Augustinians as its primary ministry.
Five Korean Augustinians have by 2010 been ordained to the priesthood, and four others are solemnly-professed non-clerical brothers. There are four simply-professed in initial formation, and one novice.
The Region completed its first major building program, the construction of a central house located in Incheon City, in 1994. (See next page for ministry details.)
In 1998 the Region of Korea opened its second major building, at Kang-hwa Island, a rural area that is an hour by road from the city of Incheon.
This Augustinian Formation Centre is for the use of the Augustinian candidates who study at the Incheon Diocesan Seminary, which is located nearby.
The latest project is a residence to the north of Seoul in the new diocese of Uijeongbu.
On 17th March 2005 three Augustinians moved there to a house in the mountains near the tiny village of Do-Shin-Ri, to form a new community.
They minister to groups and individuals who come there to be led in prayer for one or more days.
The members of the Region have also endeavoured to foster an interest in the work and spirit of the Order among the lay people of the Korean Church with whom they come in contact through the formation of small groups of Secular Augustinians.
These groups support the Order with their prayers and assist with their time and energies in many ways.
Photo Gallery
For over sixty photographs of the Order of Saint Augustine in Korea, choose the photo gallery named Korea after you click here
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