Saint John Yi Yunon

Biography

Saint John Yi Yunon, also known as Giovanni Yi Yun-il, Ioannes Yi Yun-il, and Yohan Yi Yun-il, was a devout Catholic layman and farmer who lived in Korea during the 19th century. He was born in 1823 in Hongju, Chungcheong-do, South Korea, and was married with children. John Yi Yunon was known for his strong faith and dedication to spreading the teachings of Catholicism. He served as a catechist, actively sharing the Gospel and instructing others in the Catholic faith. During this time, Christianity in Korea faced significant persecution from the government, which was hostile towards foreign influences and saw Catholicism as a threat. On 21 January 1867, in Daegu, Gyrongsangbuk-do, South Korea, Saint John Yi Yunon suffered his martyrdom for his unwavering faith. He was arrested, beaten, and subjected to harsh whippings, but he remained steadfast in his religious convictions. Despite the severe torture, he refused to renounce his faith and remained a symbol of strength and courage for the Christian community. The state-sponsored persecution of Christians during this period was particularly brutal, and Saint John Yi Yunon's fierce determination to stay true to his beliefs made him the last martyr of this specific persecution in Korea. Finally, on January 21, 1867, Saint John Yi Yunon was beheaded, sealing his status as a martyr for the Catholic faith. His unwavering loyalty and willingness to sacrifice his life for his beliefs inspired many others and served as a testament to the enduring power of faith. Official recognition of Saint John Yi Yunon's martyrdom came on July 4th, 1968, with a decree issued by Pope Paul VI. He was beatified on October 6th, 1968, by the same pope and later canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 6th, 1984. Today, Saint John Yi Yunon is venerated as one of the Martyrs of Korea. His feast days are celebrated on January 21st and September 20th, together with other martyrs from Korea who bravely faced persecution for their faith. While there is no specific patronage associated with Saint John Yi Yunon, he remains an inspiration and model of courage and devotion for all Catholics, particularly those facing religious adversity.