PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA — A Center of Services for Peace will open this month here, according to a recent declaration by General Minister José Rodríguez Carballo, OFM.
The Franciscan Friars of South Korea estasblished the center in the North Korean capital. to distribute food, care for families and children living in poverty.
The new center will offer lunch and other nourishment to 1,500 workers who lack the means to support their families. In addition, the friars will also manage a clinic offering free medical aid.
The Dec. 18 newsletter of the Province of the Sacred Heart describes the center as “a gesture of solidarity by the Church in South Korea towards its brothers of the north, and a good sign of opening up by the authorities of North Korea.”
The Around the Province newsletter also said: “It embraces many elements of our charism: service to the poor, announcement of peace, fraternal presence, and welcoming one’s neighbor. Although this is a small sign, one hopes that in time it will become more significant.”