André Kim Taegon
1821-1846 19th century Feast day: September 20
Faithfulness that holds when believing costs your life, and leaves hope behind as an inheritance.
Who was André Kim Taegon?
Son of a Korean martyr, trained in secret in Macau, he became in 1845 the first priest of his country. Arrested after one year of hidden ministry, he wrote a final letter to his people from prison, before being beheaded on the banks of the Han River at twenty-five.
In their own words
We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honour of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?
Do not be cast down by my death; the Lord will not delay to send you a better shepherd than I.
I embrace you all in love for the last time: we shall see one another again in heaven.