Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and Saint Paul Chong Hasang are part of a group of 103 Korean martyrs. These men and women lived in the 1800s. They were killed because they believed in Jesus and followed the Catholic faith. Their stories are about courage, hope, and love for God.

Andrew Kim Taegon was the first Korean-born Catholic priest. Paul Chong Hasang was a layman who helped the Church grow. Together with many others, they kept the faith alive in a country where it was not welcome. At that time, it was dangerous to be a Christian in Korea.

These saints are known together as “Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions.” The word “companions” refers to many other men, women, and even children. They came from different places and jobs. But they all had one thing in common. They were willing to die for their faith.

Their feast day is September 20. The Catholic Church honors them for their witness and courage. They are remembered not just in Korea, but all over the world.

Andrew Kim Taegon was born in 1821. He grew up in a Catholic family. His father was also a martyr. He died for the faith when Andrew was a boy. This had a big impact on Andrew. From a young age, he saw what it meant to follow Jesus, even when it was hard.

Andrew’s family had to move many times. It was not safe to be a Christian. The government hunted Christians and punished them. But Andrew’s family stayed faithful. They prayed and taught him to trust God.

At age 15, Andrew left Korea to study for the priesthood. He walked over a thousand miles to China. He studied there for several years. Then he returned to Korea as a priest. He became the first Korean-born Catholic priest. That was a big moment for the Church in Korea.

Paul Chong Hasang was born around 1795. His father was also a martyr. Paul was just a boy when his father was killed. Like Andrew, Paul grew up in a strong Catholic family. He later became a leader in the lay Church. He worked to help bring foreign priests into Korea. He also wrote letters to the Pope asking for help.

In the beginning, there were no priests in Korea. The Catholic faith came through books and writings. Laypeople first brought Christianity to Korea in the late 1700s. They read about it, believed it, and began to live it. This was very rare in Church history. Most places were taught by missionaries, but in Korea, it started with laypeople.

Because there were no priests, the Korean Church had to grow in a different way. People met in small groups. They prayed together, read Scripture, and taught each other. They baptized one another when needed. For many years, this is how the faith spread.

Later, foreign priests tried to enter Korea in secret. But the borders were closed, and they were often caught. The government believed that the Catholic faith was dangerous. They thought it was against Korean customs and leadership. Many Christians were arrested and killed.

Paul Chong Hasang helped the Church during this time. He was educated and respected. He used his skills to speak with leaders and write letters. He asked the Pope to send help. He gave strength to the people when things were hard.

Andrew Kim Taegon came back to Korea as a young priest. He knew the risks. He had to travel in secret. He changed clothes to hide his identity. He helped smuggle missionaries into the country. He baptized, gave the sacraments, and taught the faith.

He was only a priest for about a year before he was arrested. He was caught while trying to bring missionaries into Korea. He was taken to prison and questioned. He did not deny his faith. He stayed strong. He even wrote letters to the faithful to give them hope.

Paul Chong Hasang also gave his life for the faith. He was arrested and killed in 1839. He was not a priest, but he was a faithful layman. He gave all his energy to helping the Church. He encouraged others and led small groups. He stood firm when he was questioned. He died with trust in God.

Many others were martyred during this time. Some were priests, some were laypeople. Some were old, some were children. One boy was only 13 years old. Their faith was simple and strong. They believed in Jesus and did not give up, even when it meant death.

Before Andrew Kim Taegon died, he spoke words of peace. He said, “This is my last hour of life. Listen to me carefully: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and for my God. It is for Him that I die.” He was 25 years old.

He was taken to the river and beheaded. His body was left on display to scare others. But instead of fear, people felt inspired. They remembered his words and his calm trust in God. His life and death gave others strength.

Paul Chong Hasang was killed earlier, but he left behind a strong witness. He had written letters to the Pope asking for help. He had worked to build the Church. He was not afraid to speak the truth. He knew what could happen to him, but he kept going.

The companions also gave great witness. Some were mothers and fathers. Some were workers and farmers. Some were very young. They all chose to follow Jesus. They trusted that God was with them, even in death.

Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang, and 101 other Korean martyrs in 1984. The ceremony took place in Seoul, South Korea. It was the first canonization held in Asia. The Church honored them as saints who died for their faith.

Their feast day is September 20. On this day, the Church remembers their courage. People pray for strength to follow Jesus like they did. In Korea, they are honored in churches, schools, and homes.

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is the patron of Korean clergy. Saint Paul Chong Hasang is remembered as a strong lay leader. Together with their companions, they show that both priests and laypeople can live holy lives.

Their legacy is still alive today. The Catholic Church in Korea is growing. The blood of the martyrs helped the Church to grow strong. Their witness reminds us to stay faithful, even when it is hard.

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon by Sara d’Mary is the first illustrated children’s book in English about Korea’s first Catholic priest. This simple and engaging story helps children learn about his life, faith, and courage. The book shows his journey and brave choices as he followed Jesus, even when it was hard. Beautiful watercolor-style pictures bring his story to life and reflect Korean culture. This book is a great way for kids to learn about a real saint and grow in their Catholic faith. It helps children feel close to Saint Andrew Kim and see him as a friend in Heaven.