St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and the Korean Martyrs

Much of the earlier history of Christianity in Korea is marked with persecution. A group of lay people brought Christianity to Korea in the 17th century. Those persecuted to death for their faith were mostly lay persons, though among these men and women we have also bishops and priests. Fr. Andrew Kim of Taegon, the first Korean priest and pastor, and Paul Chong of Hasang, a lay apostle, -- today's saints -- were among them.

St. Andrew Kim Taegon traveled to China to become a priest. When he returned to Korea to minister to the Christian community there, he was arrested, tortured, and eventually beheaded. Paul Chong Hasang was a seminarian, aged 45. As a layman, he was one of the great founders of the Catholic Church in Korea. He was persecuted before he could be ordained.

Prayer

Almighty Father, You have created all nations and You are their salvation. In the land of Korea, Your call to the Catholic faith formed a people of adoption whose growth You nurtured by the blood of Saints Andrew, Paul, and their companions. Through their intercession, give us the strength to always remain faithful to Your commandments and to courageously and boldly proclaim the gospel message to all your people through our actions and our words. We ask this through in the precious name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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