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Feast Day: July 3
Death: July 4, 1801
Blessed Barbara Jeong Sunmae was a lay woman martyr in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. She was born in 1777 in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Barbara Jeong was a convert to Catholicism and dedicated her life to the faith.
In her early years, Barbara Jeong lived a devout life, seeking to deepen her relationship with God through prayer and acts of charity. As she grew in her faith, she felt called to establish a community of Christian lay women who would live in community and support each other in their spiritual journey.
Moving to Seoul, Barbara Jeong founded this group, which became known for their dedication to prayer, service, and spreading the message of the Gospel. The community thrived, attracting more women who desired to live a life of faith and service in the midst of a challenging social and political climate.
However, their commitment to Catholicism and their refusal to renounce their faith drew the ire of the ruling authorities. In 1801, during a period of intense persecution against Christians in Korea, Barbara Jeong and her fellow community members were arrested.
Barbara Jeong remained steadfast in her faith, refusing to renounce Christ even in the face of severe torture and persecution. On July 3-4, 1801, she was martyred for her unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Her witness to the faith and her courage in the face of adversity made Barbara Jeong a revered figure among the Korean Catholic community. Her sacrifice and martyrdom inspired many others to embrace the Catholic faith and remain steadfast in their beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Following her death, Barbara Jeong's reputation for holiness continued to grow, and her cause for canonization was officially opened. On February 7, 2014, Pope Francis recognized her martyrdom with a decree, allowing for her veneration as a blessed. Then, on August 15, 2014, Pope Francis beatified Barbara Jeong Sunmae, granting her the title of Blessed.
Today, Blessed Barbara Jeong Sunmae is honored and celebrated as one of the Martyrs of Korea, along with other individuals who sacrificed their lives for the Catholic faith during the tumultuous period of persecution in Korea's history. Her feast days are observed on July 3 and September 20, serving as a reminder of her courageous example and an invitation for all to live out their faith with unwavering devotion.