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Kim Taegon AndrewHoly Roman Catholic Church
Date of Birth: 01.01.1821
Country:  South Korea |
Content:
Early Life and Baptism
Born in 1821 into a noble Korean family of the Kim clan, Andrew Kim Dae-gon embarked on a path that would lead to sainthood. His father, Ignatius Kim, was martyred for his Catholic faith in 1839 and is also recognized as a Catholic saint. At the age of 15, Andrew received the sacrament of baptism.
Education and Ordination
From 1837 to 1845, Andrew pursued his ecclesiastical studies at the Franciscan-run Seminary in the Portuguese colony of Macau. In 1845, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Jean Ferreol.
Return to Korea and Martyrdom
Immediately upon his ordination, Andrew returned to his native Korea to spread the Christian faith. However, Christianity faced severe persecution in Korea at the time. In 1846, at the young age of 25, Andrew was arrested and beheaded.
Canonization
On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Andrew Kim Dae-gon alongside 103 other Korean martyrs who had given their lives for their faith. Saint Andrew Kim's feast day is celebrated on September 20.
