Martyred for the faith at Yesan in the Sinyu persecution, August 25, 1801. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Andrew Kim Gwang-ok was a believer of the middle class (jungin) who served as a local village official in the Yesan area of Chungcheong Province. Though he held a position of responsibility in his community, he embraced the Catholic faith and kept prayer and doctrine in his daily life.
Arrested in the Sinyu Persecution of 1801, he endured repeated interrogation and punishment but did not give up his faith. He was sentenced to death and martyred at Yesan on August 25, 1801.
He was declared Blessed by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Andrew Kim Gwang-ok's spirituality is faith lived out in one's own position. As a community official, he valued faithfulness to God more than the security and status his office could give him. For him faith was not something taken out only on Sundays but the center of life, to be kept in the midst of work and responsibility.
Reflection
Andrew Kim Gwang-ok did not hide his faith even in a position of responsibility. How am I living as a Christian at my workplace and in my organizations? Let us give a small witness from where we stand today.