Baguio diocese launches Korean-language Masses for growing community

October 22, 2025 - 7:00 AM
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The Holy Face Chapel of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement in Baguio City. (Baguio Cathedral via Facebook)

The Diocese of Baguio has launched regular Korean-language Masses as part of its pastoral efforts for the Korean Catholic community in the area.

In a circular released Oct. 20, Bishop Rafael Cruz invited all Korean Catholics within the diocese to attend the liturgy in their native language.

Starting in November 2025, the Mass in Korean will be celebrated every Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Holy Face Chapel of Baguio Cathedral.

Cruz said Korean priests have been assigned to regularly celebrate the Mass and administer the sacraments and sacramentals.

He added that arrangements for Holy Days of Obligation and solemnities may be made through the cathedral office or directly with the Korean priests.

“For fellowship purposes, a room at the Sangkabalayan building will be provided for your gatherings, either before or after the Mass,” Cruz said in his letter.

The bishop said he hopes the initiative will provide “spiritual nourishment and strength” to the Korean Catholic community during their stay in the city.

The Seoul Times on Oct. 21 reported that about 10,000 Koreans live in Baguio, with roughly 90 percent being students learning English and the rest adults or missionaries.