Christianity came to Korea in secret in the 17th century. People who traveled to foreign lands learned about Jesus and were baptized. When they returned home, they shared their faith with others. The Korean government did not allow Christians to practice their faith. The Church in Korea was led quietly by lay people for many years until priests and a bishop were brought into the country and hidden from the government. When these Church leaders were discovered, they were martyred.
In 1839, the government began terrible persecutions of all Catholics. But nothing could stop people from sharing their belief in Jesus. Andrew Kim Taegon was the son of Korean parents who became Christians after hearing the Word of God. When Andrew was fifteen, his father was executed for being a follower of Jesus. The faith of his father and other brave Catholics inspired Andrew to become a priest.
Andrew traveled 1,300 miles to the nearest seminary in faraway Macao, China. After six years of training, Andrew was ordained. He returned to his country. Members of the Christian community helped him get past the border patrol. The Korean Catholics were overjoyed to finally have a priest who could celebrate the sacraments with them. But within a year, Fr. Taegon was arrested and put to death for his faith.
Paul Chong Hasang was a catechist. Fr. Taegon was training him for the priesthood. He, too, was martyred when he was captured. In all, 113 Catholics died for their faith between 1839 and 1867. They were young and old, men and women, peasants and wealthy people. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ reaches out to each of us.
Pope John Paul II traveled to Korea in 1984 and canonized the Martyrs of Korea. We honor their sacrifice. They help us to remember that faith is a virtue that makes it possible to know and believe in God. Their sacrifice also reminds us that we are blessed to live in a country where we are free to live our faith.
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- St. Paul Feast Days: Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul — November 18
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- St. Paul Feast Day: Conversion of St. Paul — January 25