Saint Andrew Kim Taegon

Though Christianity was brought to Korea in 1592, it would be 250 years before the country had its first native-born priest. Andrew Kim Taegon came from a Christian family; his great-grandfather, grand-uncle, and father were all martyred under the Joseon Dynasty. Andrew traveled covertly to China to become a priest, and returned to Korea to preach and evangelize. He was captured, tortured and executed in 1846 at age 25.

Feast Day: September 20

Patronage: Korea