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Our Lady of Africa Mbuya Parish Catholic Mass Today – Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs –
Reading I: 1 Timothy 6:13-16-
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 –
Gospel: Luke 8:4-15 –

Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs are honored on September 20. Here’s a brief overview:

Who Were They?- Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn: The first native Korean priest, born into a noble family, Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn traveled to China to study for the priesthood and was ordained in Shanghai. He worked tirelessly to serve the persecuted Catholic community in Korea, smuggling missionaries into the country. He was arrested, tortured, and beheaded at 25.
– Paul Chŏng Ha-sang: A lay leader and catechist, Paul Chong Hasang helped organize the underground Church in Korea. He was martyred for his faith at 45.

The Korean MartyrsThe memorial commemorates 103 martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, including bishops, priests, and laypeople. These martyrs were killed during waves of persecution in Korea from 1839 to 1867. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Christians lost their lives during this period ¹ ².

LegacyThe Korean Martyrs’ feast day highlights the importance of lay leadership in the Church. Despite facing severe persecution, the faith of these early Korean Christians laid the foundation for the thriving Catholic community in Korea today. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of standing firm in one’s faith ³.

Key Facts- Number of Martyrs: Estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Christians martyred during the persecution.
– Canonization: 103 martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
– Patronage: Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn is the patron of Korean clerg
– For more about Mbuya Parish, visit www.ourladyofafrica.org –

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