Andrew Kim Taegon
Andrew Kim Taegon was the first Korean Catholic priest and is the patron saint of Korean clergy. He was martyred for his faith in 1846 during a period of persecution in Korea. He is remembered for his dedication to his religion and his ultimate sacrifice.
- Feast Day
- 20 September
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Korea
Key Facts
- ›Andrew Kim Taegon was born on August 21, 1821.
- ›His parents were converts to Catholicism, and his father, uncles, and grandfathers were martyred for their faith.
- ›He studied at a seminary in Macau and later in the Philippines.
- ›He was ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1844 by Bishop Jean Joseph Jean-Baptiste Ferréol.
- ›He returned to Korea to preach and evangelize during a time when Catholicism was suppressed.
- ›He was tortured and beheaded near Seoul on September 16, 1846, at the age of 25.
Andrew Kim
Korean Clergy
About Andrew Kim Taegon
Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846)
Andrew Kim Taegon, also known as Andrew Kim, holds a pivotal place in the history of Korean Catholicism as the first native Korean priest and the patron saint of Korean clergy. His life was marked by deep faith and ultimately by martyrdom during a period of intense persecution against Christians in Korea.
Life and Historical Context
Born into the aristocratic Gimhae Kim clan in 1821, Andrew Kim Taegon's family had already embraced Catholicism. His father, uncles, and grandfathers were subsequently martyred for practicing their faith, which was a prohibited activity in the heavily Confucian society of Korea. After his baptism at the age of 15, Kim pursued his religious studies, attending a seminary in the Portuguese colony of Macau and also studying in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines.
He was ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1844 by the French bishop Jean Joseph Jean-Baptiste Ferréol. Following his ordination, Kim returned to Korea with the mission to preach and evangelize. The Joseon period was characterized by the suppression of Catholicism, leading to widespread persecution and execution of believers who were forced to practice their faith covertly. Andrew Kim Taegon was among the thousands who met their end during this time.
Martyrdom and Legacy
At the age of 25, Andrew Kim Taegon was subjected to torture and ultimately beheaded near Seoul on the Han River on September 16, 1846. His final words, as recorded, emphasized his commitment to his religion and his God, urging others to become Christians for happiness after death.
His sacrifice and unwavering faith left a profound legacy. Bishop Jean Joseph Jean-Baptiste Ferréol, the first bishop of Korea, expressed deep sorrow at Kim's death, stating he had loved him as a father loves his son. On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Andrew Kim Taegon along with 102 other Korean Martyrs, recognizing their witness to the faith. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20.
A historical drama depicting his life, titled "A Birth," was released in 2022, further testament to his enduring significance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andrew Kim Taegon?
Andrew Kim Taegon was the first Korean Catholic priest and is venerated as the patron saint of Korean clergy. He was martyred for his faith in the mid-19th century.
When and how did Andrew Kim Taegon die?
Andrew Kim Taegon died on September 16, 1846, at the age of 25. He was tortured and beheaded near Seoul on the Han River during a period of intense persecution of Catholics in Korea.
What is Andrew Kim Taegon's feast day?
The feast day of Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions is celebrated on September 20.
Why is Andrew Kim Taegon important in Korean history?
Andrew Kim Taegon is important as the first native Korean priest and a martyr who symbolized the early growth and struggles of Catholicism in Korea. His life and death highlight the persecution faced by Christians during the Joseon period.
Where did Andrew Kim Taegon study?
Andrew Kim Taegon studied at a seminary in the Portuguese colony of Macau and also spent time studying in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines, where he is also venerated.
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Paul Chong Hasang
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