Saint of the Day: Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions | September 20, 2024

Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions: Martyrs of the Korean Church
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their 101 Companions are celebrated as the first Korean martyrs of the Catholic Church. Their lives and deaths were marked by unwavering faith and courage during a time of intense persecution in Korea. Below are the detailed facts about their lives, key moments, patronage, and canonization, along with a list of other saints celebrated on September 20.

Facts about Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions:
Birth and Early Life:

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon: Born on August 21, 1821, in Solmoe, Chungcheong Province, Korea. He was the son of devout Catholic parents, who were part of the first generation of Korean Catholics.
Saint Paul Chong Hasang: Born in 1795 in Korea, he was the son of Augustine Chong Yak-jong, a Korean martyr who was killed for his faith when Paul was a young boy.
Evangelization and Early Christian Community:

The evangelization of Korea began in the 17th century, led by laypeople who learned about Christianity through books brought from China. Despite the lack of priests, a strong Christian community grew and thrived under lay leadership.
Key Moments:

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon:
In 1836, at the age of 15, Andrew Kim traveled to a seminary in Macau, China, where he studied for the priesthood.
He was ordained a priest in Shanghai on August 17, 1845, becoming the first native Korean Catholic priest.
Upon returning to Korea, he worked to evangelize his people despite severe persecution, leading secret missions to bring more priests into the country.
Andrew Kim was arrested on June 5, 1846, tortured, and beheaded near Seoul on September 16, 1846.
Saint Paul Chong Hasang:
Following his father’s martyrdom, Paul Chong dedicated his life to supporting the Catholic Church in Korea, working as a catechist and leader of the Christian community.
He played a crucial role in requesting priests from the Paris Foreign Mission Society to come to Korea.
Paul Chong wrote a letter to King Heonjong, eloquently defending Christianity and appealing for religious freedom. However, his plea was rejected, and he was martyred on September 22, 1839.
Martyrdom:

During the intense persecutions in 1839, 1846, and 1866, 103 members of the Korean Christian community were martyred, including Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang. They were executed for refusing to renounce their faith.
Canonization:

On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their 101 Companions during a historic visit to Korea. They were the first Korean saints, and their canonization was a moment of great significance for the Catholic Church in Korea.
Patronage:

Saints Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang are revered as the patron saints of Korea, particularly of the Korean Catholic clergy and laity.
Legacy:

Their legacy is a testament to the strength of the Korean Catholic Church, which now thrives as one of the largest Catholic communities in Asia. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20, and they are remembered for their extraordinary courage and faith.
Other Saints Celebrated on September 20:
Saint Eustachius: A Roman general and Christian martyr who, along with his family, was martyred for his faith in the early 2nd century.
Saints Fausta and Evilasius: A mother and son who were martyred in the 4th century during the reign of Emperor Diocletian for refusing to renounce Christianity.
Saint Agapetus of Palestrina: An early Christian martyr and deacon who was executed during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Aurelian.
Sources for Further Information:
Vatican Website: Saints Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions
Catholic Online: St. Andrew Kim Taegon and St. Paul Chong Hasang.