Saint Petrus Choe Hyong

Biography

Saint Petrus Choe Hyong, also known as Choe Hyeong, Peteuro, and Peter Ch’oe Hyong, was a married layman, father, and family man in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. Born in 1814 in Gongju, Chungcheong-do, South Korea, Petrus Choe Hyong converted to Christianity as an adult and dedicated his life to the service of God. Petrus Choe Hyong played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Korea. He worked closely with Saint Ioannes Baptista Chon Chang-un, another prominent figure in the Catholic faith, to publish Christian books in the Korean language. Their efforts aimed to make the teachings of Catholicism more accessible to the Korean people, who had limited access to religious materials in their own language at the time. Unfortunately, Petrus Choe Hyong's commitment to spreading the Christian faith attracted the attention of the authorities who viewed the religion as a threat. As a result, both Choe Hyong and Chon Chang-un were arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to brutal torture for their religious beliefs. Despite the unbearable suffering they endured, Petrus Choe Hyong and Saint Ioannes Baptista Chon Chang-un remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith, refusing to renounce Christianity. Ultimately, the two martyrs were executed together on 9 March 1866 in In-Ko-Ri, Seoul, South Korea. Recognizing their unwavering faith and sacrifice, Pope Paul VI venerated Petrus Choe Hyong on 4 July 1968 through a decree of martyrdom. Later, on 6 October 1968, Pope Paul VI beatified him. Finally, Saint Petrus Choe Hyong was canonized by Pope John Paul II on 6 May 1984, affirming his status as a recognized saint of the Catholic Church. While there is limited information available on specific aspects of his life, such as patronage or representation, Saint Petrus Choe Hyong's martyrdom and dedication to spreading the Christian faith serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to God and the Catholic Church. Through his life and sacrifice, he continues to inspire countless Christians to live their faith boldly and fearlessly, even in the face of persecution.