[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The will of the late Cardinal Kim Su-hwan is being disclosed for the first time in the form of historical documents. It is the "Collection of Relics of Former Archbishops: Cardinal Kim Su-hwan," published by the Korean Church History Research Institute of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul on the 16th. It compiles previously unpublished records of Cardinal Kim’s handwritten will and other personal effects.
Cardinal Kim had prepared handwritten wills in anticipation of prolonged absence or death. The estimated dates of writing are January 16 and October 19, 1970, and February 21, 1971. The contents include prayers for priests, religious, and laypeople to unite and renew themselves so that the church may serve faithfully.
The personal effects also include baptismal and confirmation registers. Cardinal Kim received infant baptism on July 25, 1922, at Daegu Cathedral (currently Gyesandong Cathedral) from Bishop of Daegu Vicariate Pro-Vicaire J. Vermorel. The baptismal register records: “Baby born on July 2 in Namsan-dong to Kim Joseph and Seo Martina, baptismal name Stefano, godfather Lee Pedro.”
He received the sacrament of confirmation on September 8 of the same year at the same cathedral. Confirmation is a rite that matures faith and enables one to bear witness to it. It is administered by a bishop or a priest delegated by a bishop.
The collection also includes the congratulatory speech manuscript for the opening ceremony of Gilsangsa Temple, made through his connection with Monk Beopjeong, the first vestments and stole he wore, the papal cross and paten gifted by Pope Paul VI, the consecration registration certificate, and records related to his organ donation application. It also contains the calligraphy “The Eyes Are the Lamp of the Heart,” written by Cardinal Kim in 1986 to raise funds for the construction of Bangbae-dong Church in Seoul. This piece was purchased and preserved by Dr. Kim Jae-ho, who served as the cardinal’s personal physician, and later donated to Gangnam St. Mary’s Hospital (currently Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital), where he was head of ophthalmology. It is currently displayed in the Eye Center.
Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of the Seoul Archdiocese, wrote in the congratulatory message for the publication of the collection, “Cardinal Kim Su-hwan, the first cardinal of the Korean Church, was an excellent priest and a good shepherd who guided his flock well,” and added, “I hope that through this collection of relics, we can meet, remember, and cherish Cardinal Kim once again.” The Korean Church History Research Institute plans to publish the 200th anniversary history of the Seoul Archdiocese, organizing 200 years of diocesan history over the next ten years, starting with this collection.
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