Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Korea was a closed country, and Christianity was not allowed. Despite this, many people in Korea secretly became Christians and practiced their faith. The Catholic Church started its mission in Korea in the early 1800s. Over time, many Koreans, including priests and laypeople, accepted Christianity and spread the message of Jesus Christ. However, the government did not like Christianity and saw it as a threat to their power. They arrested and killed many Christians. Among those who were killed were St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their companions, who became martyrs for their faith.

St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn

St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn was born in 1821 in Korea. His father, Kim Jin-gi, was a Christian, and his mother, Kang Jŏng-hŏ, was also a Catholic. Andrew’s family was very religious, and he learned about Jesus and the Catholic faith from a young age. When he was a teenager, he decided to become a priest. However, at that time, there were no Catholic priests in Korea. So, Andrew traveled to China to study for the priesthood. He was the first Korean-born priest. After his ordination, he returned to Korea to preach and baptize new Christians.

St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn faced many dangers in his mission. He risked his life to help and guide the Christians in Korea. He was arrested several times, but he never gave up his faith. He became known for his strong love for God and his deep commitment to the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, in 1846, he was arrested again, and this time, he was executed for his faith. He was martyred at the age of 25. St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn is remembered as a symbol of courage, love for God, and devotion to the Catholic faith.

St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang

St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang was born in 1795 in Korea. He came from a family of Catholics, and he became a leader in the Korean Catholic community. He was very active in spreading the faith, and he worked closely with St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn. St. Paul was known for his great courage and wisdom. He played an important role in helping and protecting other Christians during times of persecution.

In 1839, St. Paul was arrested by the authorities. He was tortured, but he refused to deny his faith. His love for God and his courage made him a hero to the Christian community in Korea. He was executed in 1839, and he became a martyr for the Catholic faith. St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang’s example of bravery inspired many other Christians in Korea to continue living their faith despite the dangers they faced.

The Martyrdom of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions

In addition to St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn and St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, many other Catholics were martyred during the time of persecution. The most well-known group of martyrs from this period is known as the “Martyrs of Korea.” This group includes more than 100 Christians, including priests, laypeople, and members of religious orders. They were arrested, tortured, and killed for their refusal to renounce their Christian faith.

The martyrdom of these brave men and women had a significant impact on the Catholic Church in Korea. Their example of faith and courage inspired many others to become Christians, and the Church grew in Korea despite the dangers. The Catholic faith continued to spread throughout the country, and today, Korea has one of the largest Christian populations in Asia.

In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited Korea and declared St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, St. Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their companions saints. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20 each year in honor of their sacrifice and love for God.

Reflection

The story of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their companions teaches us about the power of faith, courage, and love for God. These saints gave everything for their belief in Jesus Christ, even when it meant facing death. They did not fear the dangers that came with being a Christian in Korea at that time. Instead, they were brave and stayed strong in their faith. Their story reminds us that being a follower of Christ sometimes requires sacrifice, but it also brings great rewards, both in this life and in the life to come.

As we reflect on their lives, we can ask ourselves: What are we willing to do for our faith? Are we willing to stand up for what we believe in, even when it is difficult? The courage of these saints can inspire us to live out our faith with love and strength, no matter what challenges we may face.

Prayer: Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, after encountering Christ you chose Him over your earthly lives. Your hope was eternal life, and death became gain for you. Please pray for me, that I will become so deeply devoted to Christ that nothing will ever deter me from following Him. May the hope that your witness gives me inspire me to become a saint like you. Korean Martyrs, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.