Saint Siméonfrançois Berneux

Biography

Saint Siméonfrançois Berneux, also known as Saint Siméon, was born on 14 May 1814, in Château-du-Loir, Sarthe, France. He was born into a humble family, and from a young age, he felt a calling to the priesthood. At the age of ten, Siméon entered the seminary in Mans, France, and in 1831, he began his studies there. However, due to health issues, Siméon had to temporarily leave the seminary for two years. During this time, he worked as a tutor to support himself. Eventually, his health improved, and he returned to complete his studies. On 20 May 1837, Siméon was ordained a diocesan priest. After some time serving as a professor and spiritual director at the Mons seminary, Siméon felt a strong call to missionary work. In 1839, he joined the Paris Foreign Missions Society, and on 13 January 1840, he left for the Asian missions. His first destination was Manila, Philippines, and from there, he was assigned to the Tonkin region of modern-day Vietnam on 17 January 1841. Father Berneux started his missionary work near a small convent outside the town of Moi-yen, where he diligently learned the Annam language. However, during one of the periodic anti-Christian persecutions on Holy Saturday in 1841, Siméon, along with a fellow priest, was arrested. The two priests were subjected to harsh treatment and pressured to renounce Christianity. Despite facing torture and being ordered to convince laypeople to abandon the faith, they remained steadfast in their beliefs. As a result, on 8 October 1842, they were sentenced to death. Fortunately, before the sentence could be officially approved, a French official learned of their imprisonment and had them released on 7 March 1843. Father Berneux was then sent to the Chinese province of Manchuria, where he continued his missionary work for ten years, traveling to places like Singapore and Macao. On 5 August 1854, he received a significant appointment when he was chosen as the fourth Vicar Apostolic of Korea by Pope Pius IX. Alongside some fellow missionaries, Siméon arrived in Korea in early 1856. For administrative purposes, he was also appointed the titular bishop of Capsa. Bishop Berneux immersed himself in the Korean culture, learning the Korean language, and spent time visiting rural Christians. He founded several schools, started a seminary in Pae-ron, and established a printing house that published Catholic works in Korean. Thousands of people were baptized during his time as bishop, as the Church flourished under his leadership. However, in 1864, a palace coup and the threat of Russian invasion led to a resurgence of anti-Western and anti-Christian sentiments in Korea. The Church faced official persecution, and on 23 February 1866, Bishop Berneux was arrested. He endured intense torture and interrogation, which included repeated beatings and having quicklime thrown in his eyes, which left him blinded. Despite his suffering, Saint Siméon remained steadfast in his faith. While being dragged to his execution, he preached to the crowd that had gathered to witness the event, reminding them that they were dying for the kingdom of God. Finally, on 7 March 1866, Saint Siméonfrançois Berneux was beheaded on a beach beside the Han River in Saenamteo, Seoul, South Korea. His martyrdom serves as a testament to his unwavering devotion to his faith and his commitment to spreading the message of Christianity. The relics of Saint Siméon were transferred to Berlin, Germany, in 2001. He was venerated on 4 July 1968, when Pope Paul VI declared the decree of martyrdom. Later, on 6 October 1968, Pope Paul VI beatified him, and he was ultimately canonized on 6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Saint Siméonfrançois Berneux is remembered as a heroic martyr and an inspiration for his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith, even in the face of intense persecution. His feast days are celebrated on 7 March and 20 September, as part of the Martyrs of Korea. Although he does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, he remains a shining example of courage and devotion for Catholics around the world.