Paul Chong Hasang
Paul Chong Hasang was a Korean Catholic lay missionary and one of the Korean Martyrs. He is remembered for his fervent efforts to bring Catholicism to Korea, including petitioning the Pope and bishop of Beijing for priests and the establishment of a diocese. He ultimately died a martyr, steadfast in his faith.
- Feast Day
- September 20
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Korea
Key Facts
- ›He was the son of the martyr Augustine Chŏng Yakjong.
- ›He traveled to Beijing multiple times to request priests for Korea and the establishment of a diocese.
- ›He wrote to Pope Gregory XVI via the bishop of Beijing.
- ›Bishop Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert found him talented, zealous, and virtuous, teaching him Latin and theology.
- ›He was captured during a persecution, defended Catholicism in writing, and refused to renounce his faith.
- ›He was bound to a cross on a cart and led to his death at the age of 45.
Chong Ha-sang Paul
About Paul Chong Hasang
Paul Chong Hasang (1794 or 1795–22 September 1839)
Paul Chong Hasang was a Korean Catholic lay missionary and is recognized as one of the Korean Martyrs. His life was marked by a deep commitment to the Catholic faith and a desire to see it flourish in his homeland.
Life and Ministry
Born into a devout Catholic family, Paul Chong Hasang was the son of the martyr Augustine Chŏng Yakjong. Following his father's martyrdom and the subsequent scattering of his family, Hasang, at the age of seven, endured hardship. As he grew, he chose to work as a servant for a government interpreter. This position provided him with opportunities to travel to Beijing on multiple occasions. During these journeys, he actively entreated the bishop of Beijing to send priests to Korea and appealed to Pope Gregory XVI, via the bishop, for the establishment of a diocese in Korea. This advocacy contributed to the sending of Bishop Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert and two priests to Korea in 1825.
Bishop Imbert recognized Hasang's talent, zeal, and virtue. He undertook Hasang's education in Latin and theology, with the intention of ordaining him. However, before this could happen, a severe persecution of Christians erupted in Korea. Hasang was apprehended and confronted by a judge. He presented a written defense of Catholicism, to which the judge responded by acknowledging its correctness but stating the king's prohibition of the religion. Hasang firmly replied that he would remain a Christian until his death.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Following his arrest, Hasang endured a series of tortures with remarkable tranquility. His death came when he was bound to a cross on a cart and led to his execution, at the age of 45. The Roman Catholic Church commemorates the Korean Martyrs, including Paul Chong Hasang, with a memorial on September 20. In 1984, Hasang was canonized by Pope John Paul II, alongside 102 other Korean martyrs, acknowledging their profound faith and sacrifice.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paul Chong Hasang born and when did he die?
Paul Chong Hasang was born in either 1794 or 1795 and died on September 22, 1839.
What was Paul Chong Hasang's role in the Catholic Church in Korea?
He was a Korean Catholic lay missionary and is known as one of the Korean Martyrs. He actively worked to bring priests and establish the Catholic Church in Korea.
What efforts did Paul Chong Hasang make to spread Catholicism in Korea?
He served as a servant to a government interpreter, which allowed him to travel to Beijing multiple times. There, he entreated the bishop to send priests to Korea and wrote to Pope Gregory XVI requesting the establishment of a diocese.
How did Paul Chong Hasang die?
During a persecution, Paul Chong Hasang was captured. He defended his Catholic faith and refused to renounce it. He was ultimately bound to a cross on a cart and led to his death.
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