International President Song Yong-cheon’s memorial address at the 11th anniversary celebration of True Father’s Holy Ascension, which was held on September 1, 2023 (midnight), at the the HJ Cheonbo Training Center, Korea
Respected leaders and blessed families of Cheon Il Guk, warm greetings to you all!
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank all Cheon Il Guk leaders and the blessed families who have gathered with heartfelt sincerity from various corners of the world out of love and longing for True Father, to attend the Commemorative Pledge Service marking the 11th Anniversary of True Father’s Holy Ascension.
Today, we celebrate the 11th anniversary of True Father’s Seonghwa, the day he ascended to the heavenly realm after dedicating his entire life as a peace-loving global citizen, solely for the purpose of carrying out Heaven’s Will and bringing salvation to humanity.
Though the landscape has changed, the breath of True Father and the times we shared with him, the sweat and tears, are still etched in our hearts. Behind the fruits of numerous events and proclamations of victory, there were many indescribable tears and sacrifices True Father made that we, who participated, may not remember. Thus, when we think of True Father, we feel a yearning heart and regret that we couldn’t serve him well. Even now we cannot but confess that he is with us in every step we take, in every breath we take, in every place we go.
The day we had to send True Father to heaven seems like it was just yesterday, yet 11 years have already passed. The number 11 carries significance of a new beginning after completing one set of 10 and beginning anew. Thus, True Mother elevated the contents of the previous ten anniversaries of True Father’s Seonghwa into a new phase. She directed that rather than simply commemorating True Father’s Holy Ascension, we should put emphasis on the internal foundation for the upcoming commemorations through a forty-day special witnessing period and the night vigil today—through which she hopes all will repent over their past lives and then finally come to meet Father at midnight with new selves and hearts at the Cheon Il Guk Pledge Service that begins at midnight.
Through this Pledge Service marking the 11th anniversary of True Father’s ascension, I hope that we can embrace with all sincerity the spirit of ‘marching forward without pausing’ which True Mother exemplifies to us. May this be a time to make a resolute commitment to a new beginning.
I sincerely hope that this will be a precious occasion for all blessed families and members of FFWPU who have gathered in 194 nations today, and that you can inherit the heart of ‘filial piety towards Heaven and loyalty towards Cheon Il Guk’ that True Father showed, that we can remember and commemorate True Father’s 93 years of life, and pledge that the light of filial piety and loyalty Father displayed will settle in everything in heaven and earth in victory and glory, illuminating the entire world.
Respected leaders of Cheon Il Guk and beloved blessed families,
True Father’s providential path was an unimaginably harsh and treacherous journey. Though he became the Messiah of the Second Advent after inheriting the Christian foundation from Jesus Christ who came two thousand years ago, he had to tread the path of sacrifice and suffering, as the prepared Christian world did not accept him. Even after meeting with the substantial holy spirit and only-begotten Daughter of God, True Mother, and finally becoming the True Parents of humanity, he had to overcome numerous challenges, endure painful encounters, withstand relentless attacks from Satan, and walk a path of blood, sweat, and tears. How can words adequately express the heart of the long providence of restoration, a journey of suffering and tears, filled with blood and sweat?
Yet, if Heaven’s will require it, True Father committed everything in all circumstances to fulfill that will. Even if the situation resembled the depths of hell, he ran without hesitation to that place if Heaven’s desire is there. He was the embodiment of sacrificial love for Heavenly Parent’s wish and humanity’s peace. Therefore, even though 11 years have passed since True Father’s Seonghwa, his tears still clean our hearts and make them beat fervently.
Amid countless sacrifices made by Abels and betrayals from Cains, Heaven’s foundation cannot be regained without being struck repeatedly. Despite such a profoundly challenging life, True Father embraced everything with forgiveness and love. In the face of his sacrificial love, Heaven orchestrated extraordinary spiritual works, and many awakened young individuals were moved by his words, receiving spiritual grace and participating wholeheartedly in their mission.
The community of members, connected together through the Holy Spirit and truth, established a tradition of cherishing and living for the sake of each other, establishing the tradition of unification. Despite fierce opposition and persecution, even amidst perpetual hunger, when with True Parents, we were always grateful and happy. The fervent tradition of the early days of the Unification movement spread rapidly not only in Korea but also across Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, expanding worldwide. And within that, I remember the constant presence of True Father’s love.
Respected leaders of Cheon Il Guk and beloved blessed families,
The True Father I know, feel, and remember was someone who, intoxicated by the power of love, cleared the Amazon rainforest, sowed seeds, cut trees to build schools, caught fish to feed hungry children. He was someone who became friends with birds even as unknown insects nibbled at his body, made friends with snakes, and was happy catching fish the whole night long. He walked on bare feet through the red soil of Jardim, a farmer without pretense. Father took pleasure in seeing the unhappy shadows fade from the faces of lonely neighbors.
To resolve religious conflicts and deep-rooted disputes, he took the lead in the Middle East peace movement. He didn’t hesitate to enter the terror-stricken Palestinian region to promote reconciliation between Islam and Judaism. He fearlessly voiced God’s will and providence in a morally declining America and sought a return to the spirit of early Christianity. While going to Danbury, He assured members and gave them hope and comfort by saying, “Do not worry. Beyond prison, a new world of hope awaits.”
He devoted his life to changing politics to find a shortcut to a peaceful world, dedicated his life to interfaith dialogue, connecting humanity on a road of peace and love from the Cape of Hope in Africa to Santiago, Chile. He met Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union. He also boldly proclaimed the end of communism, presenting a path of interdependence. The image of True Father boldly shouting “Kim Il-Sung’s Juche ideology cannot unify North and South Korea” as he ventured into North Korea, thus risking his life, is still vivid in my eyes.
Beloved leaders of Cheon Il Guk and blessed families,
September 3, 2012 [7.17 by the heavenly calendar], at 1:54 AM [Korea time], we remember this moment. True Father left behind a solemn final prayer, saying, “I have accomplished everything. I offer everything before Heaven. It is completed, finished, accomplished.” Breathing with difficulties, he tightly held True Mother’s hand and expressing his sincere love for her, saying, “Omma! Thank you! Omma, please look after everything! Omma! I’m sorry!” Then, he ascended to the eternal homeland in the heavenly realm.
True Mother wiped away our tears during the desperate and difficult situation following True Father’s Seonghwa. Placing her hand on Father’s body, she promised “Until I breath my last, I will firmly settle Cheon Il Guk on this earth.” With this firm resolution, she declared that she would continue the providential work without a pause.
I will read a passage from a message True Mother gave in Cheon Jeong Gung very soon after Father’s ascension.
Let’s briefly recall the words of True Mother at Chon-Jeong-Gung Palace shortly after his Seonghwa.
“I made a promise to Father. When I met Father at the age of seventeen, I already knew about the work of God’s providence. So I made a decision. ‘No matter how difficult it may be, I will see the conclusion in my lifetime. ‘ Also I determined ‘I will accomplish the purpose of God’s creation, the ideal world of creation, with True Father.’ I resolved to accomplish this at all costs. For that, I have lived unwaveringly. The day Father left, he said “Thank you. I am sorry.” Now, I want to fulfill that purpose with all of you. I hope there are no sons and daughters who fall away. That’s also my last remaining wish. It is what Father also wishes for.”
On the third day after the Cosmic Seonghwa Ceremony, at a special gathering, True Mother spoke about five aspects of True Father’s identity. First, she mentioned that True Father is the True Parent of humanity, the ancestor of goodness. Second, he is the owner of the eternal truth. Third, he is the fulfiller of the providence of salvation. Fourth, he is the King of Peace and the King of Kings. Lastly, he enabled God to regain the status of True Parent of Heaven, Earth, and Humankind, and achieved for the first time, the original ideal of creation on the earth.
True Mother also clarified her relationship with True Father after his Seonghwa in the following words:
“Now, according to the laws of heaven, True Father will establish the spirit world as his base, freely traverse between the spirit and physical worlds, and guide the providence to expand Cheon Il Guk. True Father, as the substantial embodiment of the God of night, will continue the providence on Earth with True Mother, who is the substantial embodiment of the God of day, in unity of heart, body, thought, and love .”
Respected leaders of Cheon Il Guk and beloved blessed families, whenever I recite True Mother’s message calling that we march forward without pausing, from within Pyeong Hwa Gyeong, this particular passage deeply resonates within my heart. It is the most poignant part of her message: “The message I convey to you today is the will of True Father who has ascended to the spirit world. I hope that all of you become victors by engraving it deeply in your hearts.”
True Mother thus declared that our efforts would continue and comforted blessed families. Then, alone, she proclaimed Foundation Day and opened the doors of Cheon Il Guk. Furthermore, for three years, she diligently offered devotions in remembrance [at Father’s tomb] so that True Father could firmly settle in the spirit world. She relentlessly moved forward to fulfill Vision 2020, ultimately achieving the restoration of 7 nations and 7 religious orders. Recently, under True Mother’s guidance, I completed a world tour, visiting five continents. During the tour’s final stop in São Tomé and Príncipe, the first nation to achieve national restoration, I had special meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the National Assembly.
On that occasion, I proposed to collaborate on character education for the youth of São Tomé and Príncipe. Prime Minister Patrice Emery Trovoada enthusiastically supported this proposition, expressing gratitude for True Mother’s interest and support in São Tomé and Príncipe, saying “São Tomé and Príncipe is your [Mother’s] nation”. This might be viewed as a political statement by a head of state, but I consider these words and this testimony to True Mother as highly significant and evidence of the providential victory she achieved in 2019 and 2020.
In this manner, True Mother, as the victorious only-begotten daughter and substantial Holy Spirit, lives a day like a thousand years, tirelessly traveled the world to awaken humanity, who cannot hear even though they have ears, and who cannot see even though they have eyes. She has invested everything over and over again in conveying the truth of God’s providence everywhere she went.
Even after the victory in 2020, True Mother never rested even when she suffered from painful, swollen legs that made standing very difficult. Whenever facing an impassable situation and seemingly insurmountable challenges, she resolutely declared, “Before the day I breathe my last, I will accomplish this without fail.” She would brush off her clothes, tighten her shoelaces, and embark on arduous and distant journeys to wherever the Mother of Peace was needed. She shed countless tears in daily prayers with only the moon as her friend.
Upon the foundation of True Mother’s sacrifices and devotion throughout her life to establish the original Parents humanity lost, we have now entered an entirely new era wherein Heavenly Parent can firmly settle on earth. A remarkable era has begun, centered around Cheon Won Gung and the Cheon Il Sanctum when Heavenly Parent can directly guide and govern all humanity. We are living in an era of miraculous events and unprecedented wonders.
While we cannot refrain from expressing gratitude to True Mother for bestowing this remarkable blessing upon us, as we reflect on this day’s significance, let us recite the words spoken during the Dedication of Cheon Il Sanctum. Let us resonate with the heartfelt love of True Mother toward Heavenly Parent, embedded in every single word of her message.
“Glory be in Heaven.
On earth, the exhilarated and joyful voices of the people of Cheon Il Guk resound throughout the world. Please hear this stirring and exciting sound of joy and exultation!
Throughout history, Heavenly Parent has worked hard and waited to embrace humanity. Now, due to the True Parents, day by day the voices of the people of Cheon Il Guk will resound with praise for our Heavenly Parent.
Heavenly Parent!
receive glory and rejoice with us.
We are immensely grateful.
We are so deeply grateful to dedicate this beautiful holy temple.
It is certain that the people of this nation and the whole world will come to know that Heavenly Parent is always with us.
We love you.
We thank you.
Heavenly Parent Mansei!”
[May 7, 2023]
With the utmost gratitude, let us offer a resounding round of applause to our eternal True Mother, who, with True Father, has led us, their inadequate children. (Applause!) Thank you.
Respected leaders of Cheon Il Guk and beloved blessed families,
We are now embarking on a new journey, celebrating the “11th Anniversary of True Father’s Holy Ascension” on the foundation of the great victory of the only-begotten Daughter, the substantial Holy Spirit, our True Mother. We are now starting a great journey. We must bid farewell to what is familiar and embark on the new era.
Respected leaders of Cheon Il Guk and beloved blessed families who have gathered here today, we are the leaders of Cheon Il Guk and blessed families who pledged to True Father, “No matter how difficult it may be, we will stand united with Mother and fulfill our mission.” On this occasion of the 11th Anniversary of True Father’s Holy Ascension, in connection with the meaning of a new start, let us firmly make the following three resolutions before True Father in Heaven and True Mother on earth:
Firstly, let us become true filial children of Cheon Il Guk who understand the heart of True Mother who said, “Do not let Heavenly Parent wait any longer,” and let us become devoted sons and daughters of Cheon Il Guk who bring smiles to the face of True Mother, who said, “Do not leave your True Mother, the only-begotten daughter, lonely anymore. “
Secondly, as leaders of Cheon Il Guk and blessed families from around the world, let us return to the heart of the early days and put down everything. Let us pledge before Heavenly Parent and True Parents to become true children and patriots of Cheon Il Guk, that will offer them a victorious report of a heavenly unified Korea.
Lastly, in commemoration of the 11th anniversary of True Father’s Seonghwa, let us resolve with an unwavering determination and resolute spirit, “We will never step back, even a single step,” uniting with True Mother centered on our existing missions. Let all regions and nations around the world, unite in the firm resolution of “Vision 2025: Victory of National Restoration!” Aju!~
If you have made these resolutions, let us send our determination through a resounding round of applause to True Mother in Cheon Jeong Gung! [Applause] Thank you.
In conclusion, I return gratitude and honor to Heavenly Parent and True Parents for allowing us to celebrate the “11th Anniversary of True Father’s Holy Ascension.” I pray for the abundant blessings and grace of the Heavenly Parent and True Parents to always be with you, the leaders and blessed families of Cheon Il Guk, in your tireless efforts and utmost dedication before Heaven.
We love you, Father! We love you, Mother! We love you eternally, True Parents!
Thank you!