Late actor Choi Bul-am, after receiving baptism, left behind the words: "An actor must walk the path of a seeker… the responsibility is immense"

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Cardinal Nham Soo-jeong, who presided over the funeral Mass for the late Choi Bul-am, reflected on the deceased's acting career and life of sharing while delivering a final farewell.

The funeral Mass for the late Choi Bul-am was held at Yeouido Cathedral in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd, presided over by Cardinal Nham Soo-jeong.

During the funeral Mass, pop tenor Im Hyeong-ju sang "Ave Maria" to see off the late actor's final journey.

On this day, Cardinal Nham Soo-jeong stated, "We are gathered for the funeral Mass of Brother Francesco Choi Bul-am, who lived among us in this world and has now departed from our side to rest in the Lord's embrace," adding, "I pray that the soul of Brother Francesco, who has gone to heaven, may enjoy eternal rest in the bosom of God."

He continued, "The fact that we can no longer see his gentle smile and kind demeanor saddens us. The late actor was a national father and national actor who comforted and gave hope during our difficult times as Chief Park Yeong-han of 'Susa Banjang' (Detective), Chairman Kim Min-jae of 'Jeonwon Ilgi' (Country Diary), and who introduced us to warm, heartfelt Korean meals through 'Korean Table.'"

He said, "The late actor walked a single path as an actor throughout his life, bringing laughter and joy to the marginalized in our society and becoming their friend. He devoted everything he had entirely to acting, sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people." He added, "I sincerely thank him for his lifelong efforts and offer my condolences to his family."

In particular, Cardinal Nham drew attention by introducing the late actor's religious life and social contribution activities.

Cardinal Nham stated, "Unlike his acting career of over 70 years, his journey of faith was not very long," revealing, "Brother Choi Bul-am's journey of faith began at Gimcheon Juvenile Detention Center in 2012."

He explained, "At that time, a correctional and rehabilitation program for juvenile detainees called 'Zero Camp' was launched, and the late actor served as its operating chairman. Upon learning that it was a program led by the Catholic Church, he said, 'The Catholic Church is good at doing invisible work,' and actively helped."

He further noted, "He used his personal assets to establish the Zero Camp Foundation under the Ministry of Justice, and this activity has continued for 13 years in the name of Brother Francesco Choi Bul-am," sharing the late actor's good deeds.

Cardinal Nham also recalled the moment the late actor received baptism. He stated, "Six years later, in 2018, he prepared to receive baptism and was baptized by me on the last day of October," adding, "The other day marked the 8th anniversary of Brother's baptism."

He added, "After his baptism, we also held a marriage renewal ceremony for him and Sister Kim Min-jae, Dominic. I still cannot forget how joyful Sister was at the time."

Cardinal Nham said, "Seeing him dedicate himself to children in difficulty as the National Patron Chairman of Green Umbrella and work hard for adolescents in juvenile detention centers, it is clear that the spirit of Saint Francis or the Pope was already contained within Brother's heart."

In particular, he shared words the late actor had spoken during his lifetime about his sense of responsibility as an actor, leaving a deep resonance.

According to Cardinal Nham, after receiving baptism in 2018, Choi Bul-am said, "I believe that even though actors are not religious orders, we should live with that spirit. I could not understand it in my youth, but as I have aged, I think an actor who receives the love of the people must walk the path of a seeker, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. I want to be more careful with every word and action."

Cardinal Nham said, "The late actor regarded caring for sick children as his calling. He considered sick children to be gifts and treasures sent by God," adding, "Yet he did not reveal himself externally, striving to be a good neighbor," honoring the deceased.

He continued, "The late actor was a true family member who not only treated sick bodies but also soothed the hearts of the marginalized and suffering with love," stating, "The love for people that the late actor left behind will remain in the hearts of those who received treatment for a long time."

Finally, he said, "The spirit of sacrifice and service that he held onto until the end will be a legacy that allows us to live without losing hope even in this harsh and rough world," adding, "I pray that the will of Brother Francesco may spread widely through many more people," seeing off the late actor's final journey.

Meanwhile, Choi Bul-am passed away on the 29th of last month at the age of 87. The late actor had his departure ceremony in the morning of the day and held a funeral Mass at Yeouido Cathedral, and is scheduled to be buried at Donghwa Memorial Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original