Fearless Faith: During the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), Christianity was forbidden and many Christians were persecuted and executed. Catholics had to practice their faith in secrecy.
Today we honor Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and the Korean Martyrs or “companions.” Andrew Kim (1821 – 1846), was the first Korean-born Catholic priest and is the patron saint of Korean clergy. Paul Chong (1795 –1839) was one of the Korean Martyrs. His feast day is September 22, and he is also venerated along with the rest of the 103 Korean martyrs on September 20.
The Korean Martyrs are commemorated by the Roman Catholic Church with a memorial on September 20. All 103 of them, including Hasang, were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Fast forward to 2025, the language and culture of the Korean Catholic Community within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is being preserved. The faith community of St. Mary Magdalen 1854 W. Windlake Ave. in Milwaukee, is a parish for Korean Catholics and it has been growing for nearly 30 years!
