As Vesak celebrations for the year 2568 of the Buddhist calendar continue around the world, Venerable Hyewon, the abbot of Paris Gilsangsa Temple, participated in the Vesak Day commemorative event hosted by the Italian Buddhist Union, representing Korean Buddhism.

Venerable Hyewon, director of the European Liaison Office of the Jogye Order's Overseas Special District, was officially invited to attend the Vesak Day event held on May 25-26 at an old castle in the historic medieval town of Lonato, Italy.

The event, attended by about 200 people, included academic conferences which explored solutions to global issues such as ecology, climate, environment, war, and disease from a Buddhist perspective, an introduction to Buddhist books published in Italy, and discussions by experts in Buddhist art.

In addition, there were ceremonies of Southern Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and prayers of Japanese Soto Zen monks. Venerable Hyewon from Paris Gilsangsa Temple officiated the Buddha bathing ceremony with Shakyamuni Buddha chanting, representing Korean Buddhism, which drew significant attention.

Meanwhile, the Vesak Day event, organized by the Italian Buddhist Union (UBI, Unione Buddhista Italiana), is held annually, rotating across various locations in Italy. Founded in 1985, the Italian Buddhist Union is currently comprised of 66 temples from various countries, with Musangam Temple (Abbot Ven. Daehye) being the participating temple from Korea.