Martyred for the faith at police headquarters, Seoul in the Eulmyo persecution, June 28, 1795. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Paul Yun Yu-il was a commoner born in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, and served as a key secret envoy of the early Church. In 1789 and 1790 he risked the dangerous journey to Beijing carrying letters from the Korean faithful, met the bishop, and received baptism and confirmation there. He also brought back the bishop's teaching on ancestral rites.
Above all, he led the effort to bring a priest to Korea. After years of preparation, at the end of 1794 he met Father James Zhou Wen-mo at the border and guided him to Seoul.
The next year, when the priest's arrival was betrayed, he was arrested with Matthias Choe In-gil and Sabas Ji Hwang. Refusing to reveal where the priest was, he was beaten to death at police headquarters in Seoul on June 28, 1795.
Spirituality
Paul Yun Yu-il's spirituality is a dedication that refuses no hardship for the Church. For a community longing for the sacraments, he set out more than once on journeys that risked his life. His silent death protecting the priest was an expression of deep love for the Church.
Reflection
Paul Yun Yu-il made long, dangerous journeys so that his community could receive the sacraments. Do we remember how precious the Mass and sacraments we easily receive truly are? This Sunday, let us join the Mass with deeper gratitude.