Martyred for the faith at Cheongju in the Byeongin persecution, 1866. Beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014.
Life
Thomas Jang was born at Neujiji near Suwon and entered the Church together with his second cousin, St. Joseph Jang Ju-gi; he later settled at Baeti in Jincheon. Only his surname and baptismal name have come down to us.
In the Byeongin persecution of 1866 he did not flee and was arrested with his family by the Cheongju police. Questioned at Jincheon and Cheongju, he held firm, and just before his execution he urged his godson not to apostatize; he was then beheaded at Cheongju that year.
Pope Francis declared him Blessed on August 16, 2014.
Spirituality
Thomas Jang's spirituality is a love that cares for others' faith to the very last moment. Hearing of the persecution, he did not run, and even as he faced death he worried first about his wavering godson. As the Apostle Thomas confessed, "My Lord and my God," he made the same confession with his whole life.
Reflection
Even facing death, Thomas Jang first reached out to his wavering godson. What am I doing for family members or godchildren whose faith has grown weak? Today, let us pray for them and offer them a warm word.