Saint Andrew Kim Taegon - September 20 breski1 The first Korean Priest, Martyr (1822-1846) His apostolic journeys to introduce missionaries into Korea – His martyrdomIf one day some fine Korean decides …More
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon - September 20
breski1 The first Korean Priest, Martyr (1822-1846)
His apostolic journeys to introduce missionaries into Korea – His martyrdomIf one day some fine Korean decides to sing of the Christian glories of his country, he will not be lacking in noble persons – children and virgins, men, women and elders – who died in the simplicity of their Faith. And if he were obliged to choose among this incomparable legion of witnesses of Jesus Christ, we may imagine that the features of Andrew Kim would capture his attention and that the brief and triumphant epic of the first Korean priest would give rise to inspiration in his soul.
Indeed, this young man is exceptionally captivating. Everything is to his honor: the profound faith which inspired his thoughts and deeds, a resolute spirit and composure, prematurely sound judgment, courage that would not back away from any danger, and a constancy that no surprise could disconcert. The icy steppes of China, Manchuria, Tartary and Korea, tempests on the Yellow Sea, henchmen, pirates, traitors and ferocious beasts: he faced them all to enter into his country priests capable of instructing and saving his persecuted brethren. At the time of his martyrdom, the simple narration of his apostolic journeys elicited a cry of admiration from the judges, who nonetheless thirsted for his blood. "Poor young man," they said, "he has been in such terrible labors since his childhood!"
While still very young, Andrew Kim showed promise of becoming an elite among Christian youth in Korea. Father Maubant of the Foreign Missions received his parents' consent to send him to Macao (China) with a fellow-Korean of his own age, Thomas T'soi, to pursue his studies for the priesthood. The two youngsters remained totally unaware of events in Korea for several years. A new missionary, Father Maître, decided to go to Korea in 1842, to join Msgr. Imbert, thinking him still alive although he had been martyred on September 21, 1839, near Seoul. Andrew Kim was given to him as his guide while Thomas T'soi accompanied another missionary, Fr. De la Brugnière, in his bold dash through Tartary.
Andrew Kim set off alone to reconnoiter when they reached the Korean border, for he did not want to expose the missionary to the surprises and dangers of passing through customs. While walking across the snow-covered steppe, he suddenly noticed a large convoy of travelers wending its way across the endless plain. It was the embassy mission that went annually from Korea to China.
Andrew approached the group and spoke to one of those walking in the rear guard. The man replied summarily and continued on his way. Hesitating, the youth followed him with his eyes. "He has a kind face," he thought, "and perhaps this is my only chance to learn what is going on in my country." While still making these reflections, he returned to the man and asked him forthright: "Are you of the religion of Jesus?"
"Yes, I am a Christian," the traveler replied.
"I am too," said Andrew Kim, as he joined him.
Then Francis Kim (that was the Korean's name) quickly told his young countryman the bloody story of the still-ongoing persecution, the martyrdom of Bishop Imbert, two missionaries and several hundred Christians. Even Andrew's father had been beheaded and his mother reduced to misery. Thomas T'soi's parents were among the number of glorious victims.
This sad news was like a saber blow to the young man – but he had been raised with the prospect of martyrdom. The thought that the very blood which flowed in his own veins had been shed for the honor of Jesus Christ exalted and strengthened his soul.
Francis Kim promised to send some Christians to meet Fr. Maître upon his return. Then, fearful that too long a conversation with a stranger might arouse suspicion, he bid a speedy farewell to Andrew and returned to his group.
Andrew remained pensive for a few moments, then reflected and prayed after the caravan had disappeared in the distance. He was decided: he would cross the border, come what may. He wanted to see if it would be possible for him to bring the missionary immediately into Korea. Wasn't the presence of a priest indispensable for the poor Korean Christendom which had remained without a shepherd for the last three years?
As prudent as he was bold, the young man approached the customs post, looking for his chance. It came at evening time. Some Koreans arrived at dusk with a herd of cattle. Andrew slid in among the animals, whose numbers should have concealed him, but the officer in charge of the post was on the look-out and spotted him and cried out to the youth to show him his passport.
"The passports have already been verified!" replied Andrew. Staying with the herd, he crossed the danger zone rapidly and turned sharply off the beaten path.
He was in Korea but did not know the region, and wandered about at random. Tired and worn with hunger, Andrew entered an isolated inn. The five or six men within were badly impressed by his strange appearance …
breski1 The first Korean Priest, Martyr (1822-1846)
His apostolic journeys to introduce missionaries into Korea – His martyrdomIf one day some fine Korean decides to sing of the Christian glories of his country, he will not be lacking in noble persons – children and virgins, men, women and elders – who died in the simplicity of their Faith. And if he were obliged to choose among this incomparable legion of witnesses of Jesus Christ, we may imagine that the features of Andrew Kim would capture his attention and that the brief and triumphant epic of the first Korean priest would give rise to inspiration in his soul.
Indeed, this young man is exceptionally captivating. Everything is to his honor: the profound faith which inspired his thoughts and deeds, a resolute spirit and composure, prematurely sound judgment, courage that would not back away from any danger, and a constancy that no surprise could disconcert. The icy steppes of China, Manchuria, Tartary and Korea, tempests on the Yellow Sea, henchmen, pirates, traitors and ferocious beasts: he faced them all to enter into his country priests capable of instructing and saving his persecuted brethren. At the time of his martyrdom, the simple narration of his apostolic journeys elicited a cry of admiration from the judges, who nonetheless thirsted for his blood. "Poor young man," they said, "he has been in such terrible labors since his childhood!"
While still very young, Andrew Kim showed promise of becoming an elite among Christian youth in Korea. Father Maubant of the Foreign Missions received his parents' consent to send him to Macao (China) with a fellow-Korean of his own age, Thomas T'soi, to pursue his studies for the priesthood. The two youngsters remained totally unaware of events in Korea for several years. A new missionary, Father Maître, decided to go to Korea in 1842, to join Msgr. Imbert, thinking him still alive although he had been martyred on September 21, 1839, near Seoul. Andrew Kim was given to him as his guide while Thomas T'soi accompanied another missionary, Fr. De la Brugnière, in his bold dash through Tartary.
Andrew Kim set off alone to reconnoiter when they reached the Korean border, for he did not want to expose the missionary to the surprises and dangers of passing through customs. While walking across the snow-covered steppe, he suddenly noticed a large convoy of travelers wending its way across the endless plain. It was the embassy mission that went annually from Korea to China.
Andrew approached the group and spoke to one of those walking in the rear guard. The man replied summarily and continued on his way. Hesitating, the youth followed him with his eyes. "He has a kind face," he thought, "and perhaps this is my only chance to learn what is going on in my country." While still making these reflections, he returned to the man and asked him forthright: "Are you of the religion of Jesus?"
"Yes, I am a Christian," the traveler replied.
"I am too," said Andrew Kim, as he joined him.
Then Francis Kim (that was the Korean's name) quickly told his young countryman the bloody story of the still-ongoing persecution, the martyrdom of Bishop Imbert, two missionaries and several hundred Christians. Even Andrew's father had been beheaded and his mother reduced to misery. Thomas T'soi's parents were among the number of glorious victims.
This sad news was like a saber blow to the young man – but he had been raised with the prospect of martyrdom. The thought that the very blood which flowed in his own veins had been shed for the honor of Jesus Christ exalted and strengthened his soul.
Francis Kim promised to send some Christians to meet Fr. Maître upon his return. Then, fearful that too long a conversation with a stranger might arouse suspicion, he bid a speedy farewell to Andrew and returned to his group.
Andrew remained pensive for a few moments, then reflected and prayed after the caravan had disappeared in the distance. He was decided: he would cross the border, come what may. He wanted to see if it would be possible for him to bring the missionary immediately into Korea. Wasn't the presence of a priest indispensable for the poor Korean Christendom which had remained without a shepherd for the last three years?
As prudent as he was bold, the young man approached the customs post, looking for his chance. It came at evening time. Some Koreans arrived at dusk with a herd of cattle. Andrew slid in among the animals, whose numbers should have concealed him, but the officer in charge of the post was on the look-out and spotted him and cried out to the youth to show him his passport.
"The passports have already been verified!" replied Andrew. Staying with the herd, he crossed the danger zone rapidly and turned sharply off the beaten path.
He was in Korea but did not know the region, and wandered about at random. Tired and worn with hunger, Andrew entered an isolated inn. The five or six men within were badly impressed by his strange appearance …