Martyred for the faith at Jeonju in the Gihae persecution, May 29, 1839. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Peter Sin Tae-bo, born near Yongin in Gyeonggi Province, entered the Church around 1795 and became a lay leader. After the Sinyu persecution of 1801 left the Church in ruins, he sought out scattered believers, gathered them, and moved deep into the mountains so they could continue living their faith together.
He helped keep and rebuild a Church without priests, and his recollections later became a precious testimony to the life of the persecuted Church. Arrested at Jatgol in Sangju, Gyeongsang Province, in the Jeonghae persecution of 1827, he was taken to Jeonju and spent many years in prison and was martyred there with his fellow prisoners on May 29, 1839.
Pope Francis declared him Blessed on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Peter Sin Tae-bo is a love that raises up a broken community. He went in search of a flock scattered by persecution and, even without priests, kept a praying Church alive. For him faith was not something kept alone but lived together.
Reflection
Peter Sin Tae-bo sought out scattered believers and rebuilt community. Is there a friend or neighbor who has drifted away from the Church? Why not reach out to them warmly today?