Korean layman who kept the faith in the persecution of 1839 and was martyred on January 23, 1840.
Life
Andrew Chong Hwa-gyong was born in 1808 and served as a lay leader of the Church. During the persecution he helped the missionaries and the faithful, supporting the community's life of faith, and he earned the trust of his fellow believers.
In August 1839 he was deceived by the informer Kim Sun-seong into revealing the bishop's hiding place, but as soon as he saw the trap he went to a priest, repented and made his confession. Arrested in September, he endured harsh punishment and kept the faith. He was martyred in prison on January 23, 1840.
Spirituality
Andrew Chong Hwa-gyong's spirituality is honest repentance that turns back at once. Deceived into a grave mistake, he did not hide it once he realized it, but went to a priest and asked for forgiveness. Afterward he kept the faith to the end under punishment, showing that his repentance was real.
Reflection
Andrew Chong Hwa-gyong turned back to the Lord as soon as he saw his mistake. When I go wrong, do I admit it honestly rather than hide it? This week, why not meet the Lord's mercy again in confession?