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 Seongsimdang's Catholic faith-based business management and its commitment to sharing with the local community. On January 1, Yonhap News cited an announcement by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, reporting that Pope Leo XIV, through Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, conveyed his congratulations to the historic Daejeon bakery, Seongsimdang, on its 70th anniversary, expressing gratitude to the Lord.

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 in his message 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 accordance with the 'Economy of Communion' model, and I deeply commend its social and economic achievements for the civic community, the Church, and especially for the poorest members of society."

This message was written on December 16 of last year and was personally delivered to Seongsimdang by Cardinal You Heung-sik, 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 emphasizes the common good and sharing, aiming to return a portion of profits to the poor and the community. Seongsimdang, guided by Catholic principles, has consistently donated unsold bread each day to orphanages, nursing homes, and facilities for people with disabilities, putting the spirit of sharing into action.

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," which 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 bestowed upon laypeople, in 2015.

There is also a special connection between Seongsimdang and Cardinal You Heung-sik. 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 the street from Seongsimdang. It is known that Cardinal You long supported and encouraged Seongsimdang's daily practice of sharing bread with neighbors. Thanks to this relationship, Seongsimdang's ciabatta and baguette were served for breakfast during Pope Francis's visit to Korea in 2014. Meanwhile, Seongsimdang is the first single-location bakery brand, not a large franchise, to surpass 100 billion won in annual sales. On January 5, the bakery will hold a vision declaration ceremony to mark its 70th anniversary, and some stores will operate with reduced hours on that day.