When hundreds of thousands gathered on Saturday for a beatification ceremony of 124 Korean martyrs at Gwanghwamun Square, they may have been awed by the ceremony’s beauty.

On Monday, thousands were to gather for the pontiff’s Mass for Peace and Reconciliation at Myeongdong Cathedral, the last official event of his Korea trip.

Ecuador’s diplomatic mission here was instrumental in providing the flowers for the two events.

“The embassy of Ecuador in Korea and the Commercial Office of Ecuador in Seoul have been working together to contribute with Ecuadorian roses during two of the events which will take place during the pastoral visit of Pope Francis to Korea,” an embassy official said by email.

Pope Francis made a historic five-day visit here, his first in Asia, to one of the fastest-growing congregations anywhere. South Korea is now home to some 5.4 million Roman Catholics.

“For the Mass at the Cathedral, Ecuador is not only donating the flowers, but is also taking care of the decoration of the place,” said Ana Diaz, third secretary at the embassy. “For the beatification of the martyrs, the Episcopal Conference of Korea is taking care of the details. It is important to point out that at this event, Ecuadorian roses will be decorating the shrine.”

Ecuador donated over 6,000 roses of 14 types, along with 1,000 golden creeping Jennys.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2014@heraldcorp.com)