Korean layman who kept the faith in the persecution of 1839 and was martyred on September 22, 1839.
Life
Augustine Yu Chin-gil, born in 1791, worked as a government interpreter. Searching for the truth, he came to know the Catholic faith and was baptized, and he used his journeys to Beijing with the royal delegations to work at bringing clergy to Korea.
With Paul Chong Ha-sang and others, he made the situation of the Korean Church known to the Holy See and helped missionaries enter the country. Arrested in the persecution of 1839, he kept the faith through harsh punishment and was beheaded outside the Small West Gate with Paul Chong Ha-sang on September 22, 1839. His son, Peter Yu Tae-chol, was also martyred that year.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Augustine Yu Chin-gil is a longing for truth and devotion to the Church. He put his profession and talents at the service of the Church and risked danger to bring clergy to a Korean Church that had no shepherd.
Reflection
Augustine Yu Chin-gil used his profession and talents for the Church. How are my gifts being used for our community? This week, could I begin one small act of service in my parish?