The Blood of Christians is seed: the Eucharistic witness of the Korean Martyrs

Korea has had a long history of Catholic martyrdom stretching back to the late eighteenth century.  In recent times, Christians in North Korea have suffered hugely because of the communist regime.  Venerable Fr Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain captured by communist forces in North Korea, continued celebrating Mass, praying with prisoners, and ministering to the dying in prisoner camps before his death in 1951. His cause for canonisation is ongoing.  His ministry revolved around the Eucharist under the most horrific conditions. Many missionariesincluding several Irish Columban priests stayed in Korea rather than flee andpaid the ultimate price.

In the course of the late 18^th and over the 19^th Century, thousands of Christians were put to death in Korea for their faith. During the ruling Joseon Dynasty Christianity was seen as a foreign threat to the political, social and religious foundations of the state.

In 1984, 103 Catholics were canonised en masse including the first Korean Catholic priest, Andrew Kim Taegon, who was executed by sword in 1846.  Along with the other Korean martyrs, St Andrew Kim Taegon is remembered especially on 20 September.  The Korean martyrs have taught us that union with Christ in prayer and the Mass is a vital way to stay faithful. It is a living encounter with Christ that inspires unwavering faith, unity and the courage to remain faithful even in suffering.

Since 1945, Christianity has flourished in South Korea where, today, almost one third of the population is Christian.  Tertullian declared in the 2^nd Century:

We become more numerous whenever we are cut down by you; the blood of Christians is seed.

Starting from the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary, the blood of Christian martyrs has continued to fructify the earth not least in places where tyrannical regimes and ideologies have attempted to extinguish Christian religion.

The experience of Christians in those places where they continue to suffer grievously should remind us that we ought never to take these things for granted:

• The sacrifice of Jesus our pioneer, leader and Lord.
• The Mass as a continuing memorial and re-presentation of that sacrifice.
• The freedom to practice our religion.
• The human rights that flow from the dignity of the human person and are safeguarded in peaceful, democratic societies.