Unexpected News for Seongsimdang's 70th Anniversary: "Deep Commendation for Its Social and Economic Achievements"

Faith-Based Management Spotlighted for Bread Donations and Pursuit of the Common Good
First Single-Location Bakery to Surpass 100 Billion Won in Annual Sales

Pope Leo XIV has sent a message of blessing and gratitude to Seongsimdang, Daejeon's iconic bakery, in celebration of its 70th anniversary. This marks an official recognition by the Vatican of the company's Catholic faith-based management and its commitment to sharing with the local community. On January 1, Yonhap News quoted the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, reporting that Pope Leo XIV, through Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, conveyed the following message: "With a heart full of gratitude to the Lord, I send my blessings to Seongsimdang, Daejeon's historic bakery, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary."

Pope Leo XIV's congratulatory message was written on December 16 of last year and was personally delivered to Seongsimdang by Cardinal Yu Heung-sik, who recently returned to the country. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

In particular, the Pope highlighted the values of Catholic social teaching that Seongsimdang has put into practice. Pope Leo XIV emphasized, "Over the years, Seongsimdang has embodied the spirit of fraternity and solidarity in line with the 'Economy of Communion' model, and I deeply commend its social and economic achievements for the civic and church communities, especially for the poorest."

The message was written on December 16 of last year and was personally delivered to Seongsimdang by Cardinal You, who recently returned to Korea. Cardinal You currently serves as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican. The 'Economy of Communion' mentioned by the Pope is an international Catholic economic movement that centers on the common good and sharing, with the goal of returning part of its profits to the poor and the community. Seongsimdang, guided by Catholic values, has practiced sharing by donating leftover bread each day to orphanages, nursing homes, and facilities for people with disabilities.

The name "Seongsimdang (聖心堂)" also originates from the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" and the "Immaculate Heart of Mary," meaning "a heart of holy love," clearly reflecting the Catholic faith identity. Photo by Heo Younghan

Above all, the name "Seongsimdang (聖心堂)" itself originates from the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" and the "Immaculate Heart of Mary," meaning "a heart of holy love," and clearly reflects its Catholic faith identity. In recognition of these contributions, Seongsimdang CEO Lim Youngjin received the Order of St. Gregory the Great, the highest papal honor for laypeople, in 2015.

There is also a deep connection between Seongsimdang and Cardinal You. After completing his studies in Rome in 1983, Cardinal You returned to Korea and was assigned to Daeheung-dong Catholic Church in Daejeon, which was located across from Seongsimdang. Cardinal You is known to have long supported and observed Seongsimdang's daily practice of sharing bread with neighbors. Thanks to this relationship, when Pope Francis visited Korea in 2014, Seongsimdang's ciabatta and baguette were served for breakfast. Meanwhile, Seongsimdang is the first single-location bakery brand, not a large franchise, to surpass 100 billion won in annual sales. On January 5, it will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a vision proclamation ceremony, and as a result, some stores will operate with reduced hours.