Martyred for the faith at Jeonju in the Gihae persecution, November 11, 1839. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Barbara Sim Jo-i was born into a yangban family of Incheon and married Thomas Hong Bong-ju; she was the daughter-in-law of Protase Hong Jae-yeong. In the Gihae persecution of 1839 she was arrested at her father-in-law's house in Gwangju, Jeolla Province, where he lived in exile, together with the Catholics sheltering there, and was imprisoned in Jeonju.
Officials beat and questioned her again and again to make her give up her faith, but she would not deny Christ. Bearing the wounds of torture and the pains of prison, she was martyred at Jeonju on November 11, 1839.
Pope Francis declared her Blessed on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Barbara Sim Jo-i is courage revealed in weakness. She was not a powerful person, yet she did not retreat before suffering. Her life showed that God reveals his strength through the weak.
Reflection
Barbara Sim Jo-i kept the faith courageously despite her frailty. Do I hold back from God's work because of my weakness? Why not ask the Lord for courage and take one step today?