Martyred for the faith at Jeonju in the Gihae persecution, May 29, 1839. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Peter Kim Dae-gwon was a lay Catholic. Seized during the Jeonghae persecution of 1827, he was imprisoned in Jeonju and spent many years there.
Through the long imprisonment he did not forsake his faith, praying with and encouraging the believers who shared his lot. On May 29, 1839, during the Gihae persecution, he was martyred at Jeonju together with Peter Sin Tae-bo, Job Yi Il-eon and others.
Pope Francis declared him Blessed on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Peter Kim Dae-gwon is a faith of mutual encouragement. The prisoners strengthened one another, and among them he kept the faith to the end. He shows that faith is not endured alone but held together.
Reflection
Peter Kim Dae-gwon kept the faith by encouraging those imprisoned with him. Do I offer words of strength to my fellow believers? Why not share a warm word of encouragement with someone today?