Saint Marienicolasantoine Daveluy

Biography

Saint Marienicolasantoine Daveluy, also known as Antonio Daveluy, was born into a prominent and pious family on 16 March 1818, in the parish of Saint-Leu, Amiens, Somme, France. His father was a factory owner, city councilman, and government official, providing a comfortable upbringing for Antoine and his siblings. Two of his brothers would eventually follow in their father's footsteps and become priests. Antoine's journey towards priesthood began when he entered the Saint Sulpice Seminary in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris, France in October 1834. After years of diligent study and spiritual formation, he was ordained a priest on 18 December 1841. Following his ordination, Father Antoine started his pastoral work as an assistant pastor in a parish in Roye, France. However, his heart was called to missionary work, prompting him to join La Société des Missions Etrangères (Paris Foreign Missions Society) on 4 October 1843. His initial intention was to go to the Japanese Ryuku Islands, but he was convinced by Bishop Jean-Joseph-Jean-Baptiste Ferréol to redirect his efforts towards Korea. Undeterred by this change of plans, Father Antoine embarked on his missionary journey to Korea alongside Saint Andrew Kim Taegon. They arrived in Korea in October 1846 and began their evangelical efforts among the Korean people. Father Antoine quickly immersed himself in the Korean culture, dedicating himself to learning the language and becoming fluent in Korean. He utilized his linguistic skills to write a French–Korean dictionary, a history of Catholicism in Korea, and revised materials for new converts. Additionally, he translated several works into Korean to facilitate the spread of the faith. Recognizing his talents and dedication, Father Antoine was appointed the rector of the seminary in 1848. His commitment to education and spiritual formation played a crucial role in shaping the future generation of Korean priests. On 13 November 1855, Pope Pius IX appointed Father Antoine as the coadjutor bishop of Korea and titular bishop of Akka. In this new role, he found a renewed sense of purpose in serving the Catholic Church and the Korean faithful. In the late 1850s, Bishop Antoine undertook extensive research to compile biographies of the martyrs and confessors of Korea. His devotion to preserving and honoring the memory of these heroic figures highlighted his deep reverence for the faith and its history. During his missionary work in the Haut Nai-hpo region in 1865 and the Keu-to-ri region in the spring of 1866, Bishop Antoine witnessed remarkable growth in the number of converts. His dedication and charisma played a vital role in leading many individuals to embrace Christianity. Tragedy struck on 8 March 1866 when Bishop Antoine assumed the role of Apostolic Vicar of Korea after the martyrdom of his predecessor, Saint Siméon-François Berneux. Just three days after his appointment, Bishop Antoine was arrested on 11 March 1866 due to his unwavering commitment to his faith and missionary work. Imprisoned and subjected to brutal torture, Bishop Antoine remained steadfast in his beliefs and refused to renounce Christianity. Even in the courtroom, he eloquently explained the beauty of the faith to his judges with simple, yet profound, words. Ultimately, on Good Friday, 30 March 1866, at the Galmaemot naval base in Boryeong, Chungcheong-do, South Korea, Bishop Antoine was beheaded for his unwavering devotion to Christ. The executioner took three blows to end his life, with arguments erupting over payment during the process. His remains were initially buried in the sand at the execution site. In June 1866, Bishop Antoine's body was exhumed and reburied in the district of Hong-san, Korea, to honor his sacrifice. However, fearing desecration during a renewed persecution, his remains were later transferred to Nagasaki, Japan, in March 1882. There, they would rest to ensure their preservation. The remarkable life and martyrdom of Bishop Antoine were officially recognized by the Catholic Church on 4 July 1968 when Pope Paul VI declared him venerable. On 6 October 1968, Pope Paul VI beatified him, and later, on 6 May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint. Saint Marienicolasantoine Daveluy stands as a shining example of unwavering faith, missionary zeal, and selfless dedication to serving God's people. His legacy lives on in the hearts of the Korean faithful, and he serves as an inspiration for Catholics around the world. Although not known for a specific patronage, his courageous witness continues to inspire all who strive to live out their faith with unwavering conviction.