(d.1791-1867) Hundreds of Korean martyrs are remembered today. They were priests, missionaries, and lay people, men and women, young and old. The Christian community in Korea “was founded entirely by lay people. 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 already boast of some ten thousand martyrs” (Pope Saint John Paul II, canonization homily, May 6, 1984). Saints Andrew and Paul were leaders in the budding community. Andrew, the first Korean priest, was tortured and beheaded in 1846. Paul was a lay leader who was martyred in 1839.
How hard are we willing to fight for our faith? How hard are we willing to fight for our recovery? Both thrive in community. What can we do today to strengthen these communities where we live?
“Saint Peter writes: ‘You were ransomed…not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ’. To this lofty price, to this price of the Redemption, your Church desires, on the basis of the witness of the Korean Martyrs, to add an enduring witness of faith, hope and charity” (Pope Saint John Paul II, canonization homily, May 6, 1984).
Reflection by Brad Farmer