Saint Franciscus Choe Kyonghwan

Biography

Saint Franciscus Choe Kyonghwan, also known as Choe Gyeong-Hwan and Peuranchiseuko, was born in 1805 in Taraekkol, Hongjugun, Ch’ungch’ong, South Korea. He grew up in a wealthy Christian family, as his grandfather was an early convert to Catholicism and had brought the entire family into the faith. However, when the government executed or expelled all the priests in the country, the family faced harassment from locals who were turning back to paganism. In order to escape this persecution, they moved to the capital city of Seoul. In Seoul, the Choe family became entangled in legal issues, resulting in the loss of most of their wealth. They resettled in a village on Mount Suri, where they began farming tobacco. Seeking support and solidarity, other Christian families moved closer to them, forming a faithful Catholic community. Franciscus, now married and a father, assumed the role of a catechist, teaching the faith to others in his home at night. Although he lacked a formal theological education, he had access to several spiritual texts and was known for his deep love for God. In 1836, Saint Franciscus' son, Thomas Yang-eop, was chosen by Saint Pierre Maubant of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris to study for the priesthood in Macao. This joyful news brought immense blessings to the entire family. However, in 1839, state-sponsored persecution against Christians resumed with greater intensity. Saint Franciscus took it upon himself to collect money to support those imprisoned for their faith, who were abandoned by the state without any assistance. He also ensured that those who died for their faith received proper Christian burials. In his village, he gathered all the religious objects and buried them, protecting them from defilement and hoping that they could be used later. He held onto his catechism texts and continued his studies and teachings. But on the night of 31 July 1839, Saint Franciscus, his family, and around 40 fellow villagers were arrested for the "crime" of being Christians. They were forcibly marched to Seoul, where Saint Franciscus was ordered to renounce his faith. He staunchly refused and was subsequently imprisoned. His imprisonment coincided with that of Saint Lawrence Mary Joseph Imbert, and Saint Franciscus spent his time engaging in prayer and catechesis for other prisoners amidst enduring torture and beatings. Saint Franciscus Choe Kyonghwan ultimately met his martyr's death in prison in the early morning of 12 September 1839. He succumbed to the injuries he had sustained from a series of brutal beatings. His wife, Blessed Maria Yi Seong, witnessed his execution but renounced Christianity under pressure. However, she later returned to the faith and was herself beheaded for her steadfastness. Their son, Thomas Yang-eop, was ordained in 1849 and went on to serve as a missionary in remote villages, continuing his family's profound dedication to the Catholic faith. Saint Franciscus Choe Kyonghwan was venerated on 9 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI, who issued a decree of martyrdom, recognizing his heroic sacrifice for his faith. He was then beatified on 5 July 1925 by the same pope. Finally, on 6 May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Franciscus in Youido Square, Seoul, South Korea. Saint Franciscus Choe Kyonghwan is remembered and celebrated on 12 September and also on 20 September as one of the Martyrs of Korea. Although he is not widely known as a patron saint of any specific group, he continues to inspire and intercede for all who face persecution for their Christian faith.