Martyred for the faith at outside Seosomun, Seoul in the Sinyu persecution, January 29, 1802. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Charles Yi Gyeong-do was born into a yangban family in Seoul. He was the elder brother of Lutgarda Yi Sun-i, famous as one of the virgin couple, and of Paul Yi Gyeong-eon. He grew in faith with his siblings within his mother's faith.
Arrested in the Sinyu Persecution of 1801, he was pressed to apostatize but kept the faith to the end. While in prison he is said to have written to his mother, comforting her not to grieve but to entrust herself to God.
He was martyred outside the Small West Gate in Seoul on January 29, 1802, and was beatified on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Charles Yi Gyeong-do's spirituality is a love that comforts others even in suffering. Facing death, he thought first of the mother he would leave behind rather than of himself, and entrusted his whole family into God's hands. He accepted martyrdom not as a parting but as a promise of meeting again in God.
Reflection
Even in prison, Charles Yi Gyeong-do comforted his mother. What words do I offer my family in difficult moments? Today, let us send a warm greeting to our parents or family.