Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun

Biography

Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun, also known as Garollu Hyeon Seong-Mun, was a devout Catholic layman and father who lived during a time of intense persecution against Christians in Korea. He was born in 1797 in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in a society where Catholicism was heavily suppressed. Despite the risks involved, Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun embraced the Catholic faith and became a dedicated catechist. He was known for his unwavering commitment to the Church and his willingness to travel extensively throughout Korea to assist missionaries in their work. Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun played a crucial role in managing the money of these missionaries and offering his support to the converts they had made. In 1839, recognizing the need to document and raise awareness about the severe persecutions faced by the Christian community, Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun authored a book on the topic. This work shed light on the suffering endured by Christians in Korea and served as a testament to their faith and resilience in the face of adversity. However, Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun's own dedication to his faith eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment in June 1846. Despite his confinement, he continued to minister to and encourage his fellow prisoners, providing them with spiritual guidance and support during their time of trial. Sadly, the persecutions extended to his own family as well. Both his father and sister were executed for their Christian beliefs, while his wife and son perished while imprisoned. On September 19, 1846, Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun was beheaded in Saenamteo, Seoul, sealing his status as a martyr for the Catholic faith. His courage and steadfastness in the face of great persecution became an inspiration to many and a testament to his unshakeable faith. The heroic virtues and martyrdom of Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun were recognized by the Catholic Church, and on May 9, 1925, Pope Pius XI declared him venerable by issuing a decree of martyrdom. Just two months later, on July 5, 1925, the same pope beatified him, acknowledging his exemplary life and sacrifice for the faith. On May 6, 1984, Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun achieved the highest honor in the Catholic Church when he was canonized by Pope John Paul II. This momentous event sealed his place among the saints, forever commemorating his extraordinary commitment to God and his unwavering witness amidst immense persecution. While Saint Carolus Hyon Songmun does not have a specific patronage, his life and martyrdom continue to serve as a source of inspiration for all Christians facing challenges and resistance in their practice of the faith. He stands as a shining example of the strength and resilience of the Church and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.