The martyrdom of 103 Koreans is celebrated on September 20.
For over 100 years the Christians in Korea practiced their faith in secret. The government of Korea was based on Confucianism and believed that Christians were a threat to the government.
The first known martyrs are Paul Youn and James Kouen. They were martyred after refusing to offer sacrifice on the death of a relative.
Over the next 100 years over 10, 000 Korean Christians were tortured and executed.
On May 6, 1984, in Seoul, Pope John Paul II canonized 103 of the martyrs. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20.
Martyrdom is the heroic act of love.
Quote of St. Just Bretenie’res……Korean Martyr; Feast Day March 7
September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows