Martyred for the faith at outside Seosomun, Seoul in the Sinyu persecution, April 8, 1801. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Francis Xavier Hong Gyo-man was a scholar of yangban background in Gyeonggi Province. While pursuing his studies he encountered Catholic teaching, embraced the faith, and shared it with his family and neighbors.
Arrested in the Sinyu persecution of 1801, he was taken to Seoul and did not abandon his faith under harsh interrogation. He was martyred outside Seosomun in Seoul on April 8, 1801, together with Augustine Jeong Yak-jong, John Choe Chang-hyeon, and others.
On August 16, 2014, Pope Francis beatified him among Paul Yun Ji-chung and 123 companion martyrs.
Spirituality
Francis Xavier Hong Gyo-man's spirituality is a life in which learning was fulfilled in faith. He did not stop at worldly scholarship but went on to the wisdom of knowing God. Like his baptismal patron, he had a missionary heart that shared the truth he had found with those close to him.
Reflection
Francis Xavier Hong Gyo-man shared the truth he had found with his family and neighbors. Has my faith remained something only for myself? Today, let us gently share something of the God we believe in with someone close to us.