May 17, 2004
Plans to enter priesthood; minister deaf
community in South Korea
Queens, NY - Min Seo Park, a master of divinity student in the
Graduate Division of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts &
Sciences, graduated from St. John’s University on Sunday, May 16,
2004 at noon.
Born in South Korea, Min Seo became deaf at age two. He went on
to excel in his pursuit of higher education and holds an
undergraduate degrees in mathematics and philosophy from Gallaudet
University. As a seminarian, Mr. Park ministers to the deaf
community, teaching Bible and catechism at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Church in New York City as well as in Poughkeepsie and Newark.
Min Seo attended St. John’s University and completed his studies
with the help of a sign-language interpreter. Together they
attended classes, studied for exams and completed an extensive
research thesis process under the supervision of Rev. Jean-Pierre
Ruiz, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies.
“What impresses me most about him is his determination to
succeed,” said Fr. Ruiz. “There is a richness to his experience,
and there is something he has to contribute to the broader
church.”
Upon receiving the degree of Master of Divinity in Ministerial
Studies from St. John’s University, Min Seo will return to South
Korea and begin the final stages of preparation for ordination to
the priesthood for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, South
Korea. Once he is ordained he will continue to minister to the deaf
community in his homeland.
For more information, please contact Jody Fisher, Director of
Media Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or at fisherjo@stjohns.edu.