Martyred for the faith at outside Seosomun, Seoul in the Sinyu persecution, October 4, 1801. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Francis Kim Jong-gyo was a believer of the middle class (jungin) who worked as a physician in Seoul. While caring for the sick, he embraced the Catholic faith and lived as part of the Church community, praying together with the believers of Seoul.
Arrested during the Sinyu Persecution of 1801, he did not betray his faith despite interrogation and punishment. He was beheaded outside the Small West Gate (Seosomun) in Seoul on October 4, 1801.
He was beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Francis Kim Jong-gyo's spirituality is that of one who healed bodies and followed Christ, the healer of souls. He served his neighbors through medicine and, in the end, bore witness to God through his faith. His life shows that a profession of service to others can itself become an offering to God.
Reflection
Francis Kim Jong-gyo lived his faith by caring for the sick. Who around me is suffering in body or spirit? This week, let us pray for them and reach out to ask how they are doing.