Korean layman who kept the faith in the persecution of 1866 and was martyred on December 13, 1866.
Life
Joseph Han Jae-gwon was born in 1836. Born into a Catholic family in Jinjam, Chungcheong Province, he served as lay leader of the Jinjam area; after moving to Daeseong-dong near Jeonju to escape persecution, he helped the Church without holding any office.
Arrested in the Byeong-in persecution of 1866 and taken to Jeonju, he held firmly to the faith under torture together with his fellow believers.
On December 13, 1866, Peter Son Son-ji, Joseph Han Jae-gwon, Bartholomew Chong Mun-ho, Peter Cho Hwa-so, Peter Yi Myong-so and Peter Chong Won-ji were beheaded together at Supjeongi in Jeonju.
Spirituality
Joseph Han Jae-gwon's spirituality is the sense of responsibility of a young leader. He took charge of a community while still young, and even after he no longer held that office he did not stop serving the Church, up to the hour of persecution. He was a lay leader with a shepherd's heart who gave himself for those entrusted to him. His youthful zeal was a force that gave life to the community.
Reflection
Joseph Han Jae-gwon took on responsibility for his community while young. With what attitude do I carry out my role in the parish? Why not begin one new small act of service?