Martyred for the faith at Daegu in the Eulhae persecution, around 1816. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Alexius Kim Si-u was of yangban birth and a believer who lived unmarried, keeping the faith as a single man. When the police raided the Meorusan Catholic village in the Eulhae persecution of 1815, they left him behind because of his disability; in tears he declared that he too was a Catholic and followed them of his own accord. Taken to Andong and then to Daegu, he went on explaining the faith to his judges.
He died in the Daegu prison of hunger and his wounds some time before December 9, 1816 (10/21 lunar). The exact day is not known, but his zeal and courage remain in the Church's memory. He was beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Alexius Kim Si-u's spirituality is a simple life given to God with an undivided heart. He could have been left behind because of his disability, yet he chose to follow the road of martyrdom, and before God his life became a complete offering. He shows that weakness can never be a barrier to serving God.
Reflection
Alexius Kim Si-u was disabled, yet he declared his faith and followed his fellow believers of his own accord. Do I use my weakness as an excuse to hold back from God's work? Today, let us answer the Lord with one small thing we can do.