Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native Korean priest, Paul Chong Hasang, a prominent lay leader, and their numerous companions are revered for their courageous witness and martyrdom during intense persecutions in 19th-century Korea, establishing a vibrant Christian community through their sacrifice.
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their 101 companions are celebrated as foundational figures of the Church in Korea, having endured brutal persecutions in the 19th century. Andrew Kim Taegon, after secretly studying abroad and being ordained, became the first native Korean priest, returning to his homeland to minister to the burgeoning Christian community amidst extreme danger. Paul Chong Hasang was a highly influential lay catechist and leader who, through his writings and organizational efforts, was instrumental in sustaining and expanding the faith in a land where foreign missionaries were initially forbidden. Together with an extraordinary number of lay faithful, including men, women, and children from various social classes, they faced torture and execution for refusing to renounce their beliefs, their ultimate sacrifice inspiring countless others and demonstrating profound fidelity to their convictions, thus solidifying the foundations of the Christian presence in Korea.
The story of Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their 101 companions is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of the Holy Spirit in the face of brutal persecution. The genesis of Christianity in Korea is unique in that it began not through the work of foreign missionaries, but through the intellectual curiosity and spiritual yearning of Korean scholars who encountered Catholic texts in China in the late 18th century. These lay intellectuals, without direct clerical guidance, studied the faith, baptized each other, and formed a vibrant, self-propagating community. This indigenous, lay-led foundation would prove to be both a strength and a vulnerability, as it grew rapidly but faced intense hostility from a Confucian-dominated society suspicious of foreign influence and perceived threats to traditional social order. The Joseon Dynasty, fearing the egalitarian and universalist tenets of Christianity, initiated a series of violent persecutions throughout the 19th century that sought to eradicate the burgeoning faith.
Among the earliest and most prominent figures of this burgeoning Christian community was Saint Andrew Kim Taegon. Born in 1821 in Solmoe, Chungcheong Province, Andrew came from a family deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, which had already produced several martyrs. His great-grandfather, Kim Han-jong, was martyred in 1814, and his father, Ignatius Kim Che-jun, would also later suffer martyrdom in 1839. This familial legacy of sacrifice undoubtedly shaped Andrew's own unwavering commitment. Recognizing the need for ordained ministers to shepherd the rapidly growing flock, the Korean community sent young Andrew, at the age of fifteen, to study at the seminary in Macao, China, in 1836. His journey was fraught with danger, involving clandestine travel and years of rigorous theological formation under foreign missionaries. After a decade of preparation, he was ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1845, becoming the first native Korean priest. He immediately returned to his homeland, risking his life to minister to the beleaguered faithful, administering sacraments, and secretly traveling across the peninsula.
Simultaneously, Saint Paul Chong Hasang emerged as a pivotal lay leader. Born in 1795 to a noble family, Paul's father, Augustine Chong Yak-jong, was also a martyr. Paul, a brilliant and dedicated catechist, played an instrumental role in sustaining and organizing the Christian community in the absence of priests. He made multiple perilous journeys to Beijing, China, to seek the assistance of foreign bishops and priests, pleading for missionaries to be sent to Korea. He also authored important theological works, including his notable defense of the Christian faith, the “Sangje-sangseo” (Letter to the Prime Minister), which articulated the tenets of Catholicism and defended its compatibility with Korean society, despite the prevailing anti-Christian sentiment. His efforts were crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of the community and ensuring the continuity of the faith.
The persecutions intensified throughout the 19th century, notably in 1839 (the Kihae Persecution), 1846 (the Pyong-o Persecution), and 1866 (the Pyong-in Persecution). It was during the Pyong-o Persecution in 1846 that Andrew Kim Taegon was captured. Despite torture and repeated demands to apostatize, he steadfastly refused to renounce his faith. His letters from prison reveal a spirit of profound piety and courage, urging his fellow Christians to remain firm in their convictions. On September 16, 1846, at the age of 25, he was beheaded at Saenamteo, a military execution ground near Seoul, becoming the proto-martyr of the Korean clergy.
Paul Chong Hasang, too, faced the ultimate test of faith. He was arrested in 1839 during the Kihae Persecution, along with many other prominent lay leaders. Like Andrew, he endured immense suffering and interrogation, but his resolve remained unbroken. He continued to profess his faith, even defending it eloquently before his captors. On September 22, 1839, Paul Chong Hasang was martyred by beheading outside Seoul, cementing his legacy as a courageous lay apostle and a pillar of the early Korean Church. His martyrdom underscored the vital role played by lay faithful in spreading and preserving Christianity in Korea.
The 101 companions martyred alongside Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang represent the diverse fabric of the early Korean Church. They included men, women, and children, nobles and commoners, scholars and farmers, demonstrating that the Christian faith had permeated all strata of Korean society. Their stories of unwavering fidelity, enduring torture, and facing death with serene courage, even joy, are a powerful testament to the transformative power of their beliefs. These martyrs, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, are not merely historical figures but continue to inspire Christians worldwide. Their blood became the seed of the Church in Korea, transforming it from a persecuted minority into a vibrant, global Catholic community, making Korea today one of the most significant Christian nations in Asia. Their feast day serves as a profound reminder of the cost of discipleship and the enduring strength of faith in the face of adversity.
The chill of early autumn clung to the air on September 16, 1846, as Saint Andrew Kim Taegon stood on the execution ground at Saenamteo, a sandy stretch by the Han River near Seoul. His young life, barely twenty-five years old, had been a whirlwind of secret journeys, clandestine studies, and daring ministry. He was the first Korean priest, and his very existence was a defiance of the Joseon Dynasty's fierce anti-Christian laws. Bound and awaiting the executioner's sword, Andrew did not cower. Instead, with a voice clear and resolute, he turned to the crowd of onlookers, a mix of curious villagers, fearful Christians, and hardened officials. \"My dear friends,\" he declared, his words ringing with profound conviction, \"know that I am going to die for the Lord; be firm in your faith and persevere to the end, then you will be saved.\" This was not a cry of despair, but a final, powerful sermon, an exhortation to his flock, delivered moments before his martyrdom. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit that had characterized his entire life, from his perilous return to Korea to his tireless efforts to shepherd the persecuted community. His words echoed the very essence of the Korean martyrs: an unshakeable belief that life, when surrendered for Christ, finds its true and eternal meaning.
September 1846
My dear fellow Catholics, listen well. Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, suffered innumerable pains, and with his precious blood established the holy Church. He commanded us to proclaim the holy doctrine throughout the world, and He promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against it. Therefore, though the Church may seem to be in decline, it will never be destroyed. It will flourish again. Now, as the Church in Korea is enduring great suffering, we have been arrested and thrown into prison. You, my dear fellow Catholics, who are still in the world, should not be disheartened but should strive to serve God with one mind. Since the beginning of the Church's foundation, there have been countless persecutions. In ancient times, the Church suffered greatly in Rome, and many Catholics were martyred. Even now, the Church in the West is suffering persecution. So, how can we, who are living in a barbarian land, expect to escape persecution? When our Lord Jesus Christ was on earth, he suffered much and was crucified. How can we, his followers, expect to live in comfort and ease? Our Lord Jesus Christ said: 'If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' He also said: 'Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.' My dear friends, know that I am going to die for the Lord; be firm in your faith and persevere to the end, then you will be saved. Though I am a sinner, I am now dying for God. This is the last instruction I give to you. I hope that when you reach heaven, you will see me. I beg you to pray for me. Also, I ask that you pray for the conversion of sinners, so that all people may come to know God and be saved. I commend myself to your prayers. May the peace of God be with you always. Amen.
May 6, 1984
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a moment of profound joy and spiritual exaltation for all of us, especially for the beloved Church in Korea. Today, here in Seoul, on this very soil consecrated by the blood of martyrs, we have the immense privilege of solemnly canonizing 103 martyrs, among whom are priests, catechists, and lay faithful, men and women, young and old, who bore witness to Christ with their lives.
The history of the Church in Korea is truly unique. It began not with the preaching of foreign missionaries, but with the spontaneous initiative of Korean lay people themselves, who, through their study of Christian texts brought from China, discovered the truth of the Gospel. They embraced it with fervent hearts, baptized one another, and formed communities, even before the arrival of the first priests. This lay-led foundation is a distinctive mark of the Korean Church, a testament to the profound spiritual hunger and intellectual curiosity of your ancestors.
But this nascent Church was soon plunged into a crucible of persecution. For a century, from 1791 to 1886, the Korean Christians faced relentless and brutal suppression. It was a period of immense suffering, in which thousands upon thousands chose death rather than renounce their faith. Today, we raise to the altars 103 of these heroes, representing the countless others whose names are known only to God. They are a shining example of fidelity to Christ and His Church.
Among them stands Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native Korean priest. His journey to the priesthood was arduous and dangerous, involving secret travel to Macao for seminary studies. Upon his ordination, he returned to his homeland, knowing full well the immense risks. He served his flock with courage and zeal, administering the sacraments, and strengthening the faithful, until he too was apprehended and martyred. His final letter from prison, a moving testament of faith and pastoral solicitude, urged his community to remain steadfast.
Alongside him, we honor Saint Paul Chong Hasang, a prominent lay catechist and leader. Paul, a man of noble birth, dedicated his life to the spread of the Gospel. He made perilous journeys to Beijing, pleading for missionaries to be sent to Korea, and through his writings, he eloquently defended the Christian faith against the accusations of the authorities. He exemplified the indispensable role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church, particularly in a time when ordained ministers were scarce.
And with them, their 101 companions: men and women, young and old, from all walks of life – scholars, farmers, artisans, government officials, and even children. Their stories are diverse, yet their common thread is an unwavering commitment to Christ. They endured unimaginable tortures: beatings, starvation, imprisonment, and finally, execution by beheading, strangulation, or other cruel methods. Yet, through it all, they professed their faith with courage, often singing hymns or proclaiming the name of Jesus and Mary in their last moments.
Their martyrdom was not a defeat but a victory. Their blood became the seed of the Church, transforming it from a small, persecuted community into a vibrant and dynamic force. The witness of these martyrs, their profound love for Christ, and their readiness to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel, continue to inspire us today. They remind us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality, a radical commitment that embraces suffering and death for the sake of eternal life.
Today, as we celebrate their triumph, let us remember their legacy. The Church in Korea, born of their sacrifice, has grown exponentially and continues to be a beacon of faith and evangelization in Asia. May their example strengthen us all, especially in times of trial and difficulty, to be faithful witnesses to Christ in our own lives, always ready to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction. These Korean martyrs are not just heroes of your nation, but a treasure for the universal Church. May they intercede for us, that we too may persevere in faith until the end. Amen.
Pilgrimages to the numerous martyrdom sites across South Korea, such as Saenamteo, Jeoldu-san, and Choltusan Martyrs' Shrine, where the faithful visit to honor the martyrs and reflect on their sacrifice.
These sites are the historical locations where the Korean Martyrs, including Saints Andrew Kim Taegon and many of their companions, suffered and died for their faith, making them sacred places of remembrance and spiritual pilgrimage.
Special liturgical celebrations and cultural events held particularly within Korean Catholic communities worldwide, which emphasize the unique indigenous origins and heroic foundation of the Church in Korea.
These celebrations honor the martyrs who established Christianity in Korea and reinforce the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of Korean Catholics, often incorporating traditional elements to reflect their unique history.