Martyred for the faith at Wonju in the Eulhae persecution, December 5, 1815. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Simon Kim Gang-i was a believer of the middle class (jungin) and a lay leader of fellow believers. He cared for believers who were fleeing persecution and worked to keep the community of faith from scattering.
Arrested in the Eulhae Persecution of 1815, he was taken to Wonju in Gangwon Province and interrogated. Keeping the faith despite cruel punishment, he was martyred at Wonju on December 5, 1815.
He was beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Simon Kim Gang-i's spirituality is the heart of a shepherd caring for scattered sheep. In a time without priests, he stood by the faithful as a layman and gathered the community into one. He showed that a shepherd of the Church need not only be a cleric but can be any believer who cares for his brothers and sisters.
Reflection
Simon Kim Gang-i cared for scattered believers. In our immigrant life, is there a friend or family member near me who has drifted from the faith? Today, let us pray for them and reach out again.