Martyred for the faith at Jinju in the Muja persecution, April 1, 1888. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Joseph Yun Bong-mun was a lay leader (hoejang) who guided the believers of the Geoje area in Gyeongsang Province. Even after the Byeongin persecution ended, freedom of religion was not yet secured, and believers in the provinces still suffered persecution.
While caring for the faithful and spreading the faith on Geoje, he was arrested and taken to Jinju. Never abandoning his faith under harsh punishment, he was martyred at Jinju on April 1, 1888, in the Muja persecution. He is the last, chronologically, of the 124 Blesseds to be martyred.
Pope Francis declared him Blessed on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Joseph Yun Bong-mun is faithfulness that fulfills one's charge to the end. Even after the great persecutions had passed, he did not stop guarding a small island community. Like Saint Joseph, his patron, he quietly cared for those entrusted to him and obeyed God's will.
Reflection
Joseph Yun Bong-mun guarded a small community even at the tail end of persecution. Now that we enjoy freedom of faith, how much do I treasure it? Why not attend Mass this Sunday with a grateful heart?