September 20
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
First Korean-Born Priest, Martyr
(1821 – 1846)
“We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honor of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?”
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
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Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Andrew Kim Taegon was born on August 21, 1821 in Solmoi, Chungcheong-do, South Korea. Andrew’s parents were converts. His father was subsequently martyred for practicing Christianity, a prohibited activity in heavily Confucian Korea. Andrew was baptized at the age of fifteen. Then, he travelled 1,300 miles to studied at a seminary in the Portuguese colony of Macau, China. Andrew also spent time in study at Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan, and the Philippines.
First Korean Born Priest
Andrew was ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1844 by the French bishop Jean Joseph Jean-Baptiste Ferréol. He became the first native Korean priest. Andrew was prompted by his faith in God and his love for the Christian people. So, he found a way to make the difficult task of a missionary entry into Korea to preach and evangelize. During the Joseon Dynasty, Christianity was suppressed and many Christians were persecuted and executed. Catholics had to practise their faith covertly.
His Martyrdom
On September 16, 1846, at the age of 25, Andrew was arrested, tortured and eventually, beheaded in Saenamteo, Seoul, Korea on the Han River. His last words were:
“This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and my God. It is for Him that I die. My immortal life is on the point of beginning. Become Christians if you wish to be happy after death, because God has eternal chastisements in store for those who have refused to know Him.”
Kim was one of 10,000 Christians, who were executed during this time. On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Andrew along with 102 other Korean Martyrs, including Paul Chong Hasang, during his trip to Korea. The feast day of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang and companions is celebrated on September 20th.
Canonization of the Andrew Kim Taegon and the Korean Martyrs
“The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by laypeople. This fledgling Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. The death of these many martyrs became the leaven of the Church and led to today’s splendid flowering of the Church in Korea. Even today their undying spirit sustains the Christians of the Church of Silence in the north of this tragically divided land.”
Pope John Paul II at the canonization of the Korean Martyrs, May 6, 1984
Born: August 21, 1821 in Solmoi, Chungcheong-do, South Korea
Died: September 16, 1846 in Saenamteo, Seoul, Korea
Beatified: July 5, 1925 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: May 6, 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Feast Day: September 20
Patron Saint: Korea; Korean Clergy
Source:
Reflection
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is inspiring by his life. He is a model for Catholics around by his actions, eventually dying for his Catholic faith. Saint Andrew believed that Christians should not just simply profess their faith. Instead, they must actually practice their faith. We are called to be a light in the world through God’s grace. Just as Saint Andrew’s martyrdom became a light for Christians in Korea.
So, how can you be a light today in the world shining brightly your faith in Jesus Christ to those in need around you?
Prayers
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon,
First-born son of the Korean Church and fearless martyr for Christ, You spread the Gospel in the face of great persecution, and inspired countless souls with your witness to the truth.
Grant us the grace to live out our faith with the same boldness and conviction, that we may never waver in our commitment to Christ, no matter the cost.
Help us to be witnesses to the love of Christ in our daily lives, proclaiming His truth with our words and actions.
Pray for us that we may be instruments of peace and unity in a divided world and that we may work tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Links
Aleteia – How St. Andrew Kim Taegon challenges us to practice our faith
All Saints & Martyrs – Saints Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang
Anastpaul – Saints of the Day – 20 September – Martyrs of Korea: St Andrew Kim Taegon, St Paul Chong Hasang & Companions
Catholic Culture – St. Andrew Kim Taegon and St. Paul Chong Hasang and their companions
Catholic Exchange – Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang and Companions (Martyrs)
Catholic Fire – St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong and companions, Korean martyrs
Catholic Ireland – Sep 20 – Fr Andrew Kim and the Korean Martyrs (19th century)
Catholic News Agency – Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Choñg Ha Feast Day: Sep 20
Catholic Online – Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companion
Faith of the Fathers – Saint Andrew Kim Taegŏn
Franciscan Media – Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions
Korea Times – Korea’s first Catholic priest, Kim Dae-geon, gets biopic film
Loyola Press – Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions Feast Day September 20
My Catholic Life – Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Saint A Day – 20 September, The Martyrs of Korea
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846)