Saint Paul Chong Hasang

Biography

Saint Paul Chong Hasang was born in 1795 in Korea. He was the son of Yak Jong Church and the brother of Saint Jung Hye, both of whom were martyrs in the persecution of Shin-Yu in 1801. During this brutal attack on the faith, all the clergy in the country were killed. Despite being a layman, Paul played a crucial role in reuniting the scattered Christian community and inspiring them to hold fast to their faith. He wrote the Sang-Je-Sang-Su, a document that explained to the Korean government that the Catholic Church posed no threat to them. Through his persuasive arguments, he sought to dispel any misunderstandings or fears that the government may have had about Christianity. Paul's dedication to his faith extended beyond his homeland. He crossed into China on nine occasions, working as a servant for the Korean diplomatic corps. His primary objective during these trips was to persuade the bishop of Beijing to send more priests to Korea. Realizing the urgent need for the spiritual sustenance that the clergy could provide, Paul directly pleaded with Rome for help. On September 9, 1831, Paul's efforts bore fruit when Pope Gregory XVI proclaimed the validity of the Korean Catholic diocese. With the return of the clergy, Paul felt called to join their ranks and enrolled in the seminary. Regrettably, he was unable to fulfill his aspiration to become a priest, as he died in the Gi Hye persecution of 1839 before his ordination. Throughout his life, Paul Chong Hasang was instrumental in establishing the Catholic Church in Korea. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his efforts to preserve it in the face of persecution and adversity earned him great admiration. His name is forever etched in history as one of the pioneering figures of the Catholic Church in Korea. Saint Paul Chong Hasang was beatified on June 6, 1925, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 6, 1984, by Pope John Paul II. Although he does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life and example serve as an inspiration for all Catholics, especially those facing difficulties or persecution for their beliefs. His feast day is celebrated on September 20th, when the faithful honor his memory and give thanks for his contributions to the growth and endurance of the Catholic Church in Korea.