Saint Petrus Yu Chongnyul

Biography

Saint Petrus Yu Chongnyul, also known as Peter Yu Chong-nyul or Peteuro Yu Jeong-nyul, was a married layman and father who lived in the apostolic vicariate of Korea during the 19th century. Born in 1837 in Taphyen, Yulli county, near Pyongyang, North Korea, he would go on to become a devoted Christian and a martyr for his faith. Petrus Yu Chongnyul was a devout Catholic who took his faith seriously. He was an ardent reader of the Bible and was known for sharing his deep knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings with others. One evening, while reading the Bible to a group of friends at the home of a catechist, he was unjustly arrested. Petrus was accused of the offense of teaching Christianity, which was illegal at that time in Korea. He was subsequently imprisoned in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. Despite facing harsh conditions and the threat of persecution, Petrus remained steadfast in his faith and continued to spread the message of Christianity among his fellow prisoners. Unfortunately, his commitment to his beliefs ultimately led to his martyrdom. On the evening of 17 February 1866, Petrus Yu Chongnyul was beaten to death in his prison cell in Pyongyang. His sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith earned him the title of martyr. In recognition of his martyrdom, Saint Petrus Yu Chongnyul was venerated by Pope Paul VI on 4 July 1968, who issued a decree of martyrdom. He was later beatified on 6 October 1968 by the same Pope. Finally, on 6 May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint, acknowledging his deep spirituality, his bravery, and his exceptional commitment to spreading the teachings of Christianity. As a Catholic saint, Saint Petrus Yu Chongnyul serves as an inspiration for believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity. His life and martyrdom highlight the importance of religious freedom and the courage necessary to defend one's beliefs. While he does not have a specific patronage associated with him, Saint Petrus Yu Chongnyul's story of faith and sacrifice resonates with many Catholics around the world.