Brief Description and Biography on
Beatification of
“Yun Ji-Choong Paul and 123 Martyrs”
1. What is Beatification?
1> Definition of Blessed and Beatification
From Latin 'Beatus'(Beata),English 'Blessed', is an official recognition of a dead person by the Catholic Church to respect and ask for interception on behalf of the person who prays. In Korean a man is called 'Bokja', a woman 'Boknyo'. Beatification is the third step of the four steps in the canonization process. When the 'Blessed' is recognized after the canonization process, the Blessed will be given the title 'Saint'.
Originally the word 'Blessed' stems from the Sermon in the mountain in the New Testament Mathew 5:3-12 (Latin:Beati, English:Blessed) having more profound meaning than happy or content, but to reach the supreme level of happiness in achieving the eternal virtue and love(Ref:Catholic Dictionary). Those who are entitled Blessed are in Heavenly Kingdom with God.
Purpose of Beatification(Latin: Beatificio)
Beatification is a recognition by the Holy Catholic Church officially announce by the Supreme Pontiff of a person who lived a sublime life or died in martyrdom. The purpose is to honor and venerate the life they lived as an example for people living in today's society so that we may also live a life of sanctity.
Honoring the Blessed is not obligatory while the veneration of Saints is practiced in the church throughout the world. Official celebration of the Blessed may take place only in particular diocese, place or religious society approved by the Supreme Pontiff while Saints are officially honored and venerated universally.
Blessed are entitled to be honored as follows.(Source: Catholic Dictionary)
1) Public invocation of 'Blessed', celebration and veneration can take place in a limited area in designated formality. (124 Blessed are honored only in Korean Catholic Church)
2) Name of those beatified are officially placed in liturgy to intercede on behalf of prayers.
3) Remains of the Blessed can be exhibited in public for adoration and veneration.
2>Process of Beatification in Catholic Church
The first step is investigation of the candidates on place of their activity by district dioceses. When their sanctity and martyrdom is evidenced and recognized by the church to be true 'servant of God', the process for Beatification begins according to Canon Law.
▶Preliminary Investigation process is as follows.
1) Selection of candidate(Selection Commission calls the candidate 'Servant of God')
2) Biographical data, brief description on life time activities of the 'Servant of God' is sent to Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Holy See.
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints examines the documents and notifies the Selection Commission 'no defect found' to proceed the Beatification process.
3) Trial for Beatification: Whole process of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints is conducted strictly according to trial process.
a)Witness(mainly historians) Interrogation: Investigate on evidence of martyrdom, testimony of pious legends during their life time.
b)On-site Investigation, collection of evidence: Investigate birth place, cemetery, place of death, collect supporting evidence that proves Servant of God.
c)Judicial evaluation on Miracle: Miracle(blessing) must be taken through the intercession of the ‘Servant of God’ and it is the requirement for those who lived in sanctity. Miracle evaluation is not relevant for those who have evidence of martyrdom. Proof of martyrdom will be eligible for the process.
▶Preliminary Investigation is conducted by the Bishop of the diocese where the candidate is affiliated. After a thorough investigation, all the documents, supporting evidence and reference are sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Holy See for further evaluation. Once the Congregation accepts the cause, further investigation is conducted in the Historical Commission, Theology Commission, Bishops and Cardinal of competent offices and finally approved by the Supreme Pontiff.
2. Description of Profile and list of Martyrs in Statistics
1> Brief testimony of the 124 Blessed (Officially announced at Beatification Mass)
The Korean Church is called “Church of the Martyrs”. “Yun Ji Chun Paul and his 123 fellows” have been the foundation of the Korean Catholic Church until this day. They played a pivotal role in evangelization with their pious faith which contributed to the growth of faithful in Korea. The testimony of their faith attributed as great encouragement to all the believers in the early stage of Catholicism in Korea where many suffered martyrdom.
Among Yun Ji Choong Paul and his fellow 123 Martyrs, fifty three of most of them (42.7%) suffered from persecution during the Shinyoo persecution period(1801). Prior to Shinyoo persecution, three Martyrs during Shinhae persecution(1791), three Martyrs during Eulmyo persecution(1795) and eight Martyrs were persecuted during the Jeongsa persecution(1797). Martyrs persecuted after the Shinyoo persecution are one Martyr in 1841, twelve(1815) and two(1819) respectively during the Eulhae persecution, four in Jeonghae persectution(1827), eighteen in Kihae persecution(1839), twenty during the Byeongin persecution(1866-1888). Regionally persecution was executed throughout the country. In the capital of Chosun, Hanyang, 38, Gyeongsan province 29, Jeongra province 24, Choongchung province 18, Gyeonggi province 12, Gangwon province 3. Hanyang, the capital was the region where most severe persecution was conducted.
The 124 Martyrs exhibited astonishing bravery in faith and witnessed the Love of God with their lives. Martyrs' confession of faith for love in Jesus Christ culminated with the sacrifice of their lives. Yun Ji Chang was the first Martyr during the Shinhae persecution which occurred in 1791, in the 15th year under the reign of King Jeong(1791). Yun Ji Chang Paul testified God as the "Almighty Father of all mankind". He testified "A man can go against a King or their parents, but never can I disobey the Almighty Lord, our Father". Yun strongly believed that he can glorify the Lord through his death. We must take a moment to reflect on the historical background of Chosun Dynasty. It was the time when fidelity towards parents and loyalty to the King dominated common value. Our Martyrs respected the King and loved their parents but their priority was the profound faith they had in God. Their love and faith in the Almighty Father ousted materialism and even mankind. Yun Ji Chang is distinguished as the representative of his fellow Martyrs because he was the very first Martyr from the land where Christianity, unprecedentedly sprout from laity without missionaries. Korean Church rooted as an autochthonic church.
The abundant fruits of the 124 Martyrs continue to grow vividly not only in their dioceses, but throughout the whole Korean Church now until today. Many Catholics and their shepherds are inspired by the faith and love they have shown. Their testimony of faith came to be recognized immediately after the Beatification of the 103 Saints presided by St. John Paul II in 1984.
I solemnly express my gratitude to our Lord for allowing us today this joy to celebrate the Beatification under the auspicious presence of His Holiness together with all the servants of God and His faithful, gathered from every corner of the country, here in the very center location here, where it is connected directly to the jails, courts, place of torture where our Martyrs were investigated and persecuted but ultimately glorified the Lord.
2> Feast Day of the Blessed 124: May 29
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea held a Spring Conference and decided on May 29 as the Feast Day for Blessed Yun Ji Choong and 123 Martrys and reported to Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament.
May 29, 1839 is the date when five of the 124 Blessed (Lee Il-Eon, Shin Tae-Bo, Lee Tae-Gwon, Jeong Tae-Bong, Kim Dae-Gweon) died of martyrdom in the wood near Jeongju, Jeolla province. Initially the Bishops considered December 8, the date when Yun Ji-Choong the representative of the 124 Blessed died of martyrdom but it coincided with the Feast Day of Immaculate Conception of Mary who is the patron of the Korean Catholic Church. The months when most of the martyrs died, December and January(25 martyred) were considered inappropriate since both months are the festive season of a year.
Consequently the month and date of the second largest martyrdom, May 29 has been selected as the Feast Day.
After formal announcement of the 'Blessed' by the Supreme Pontiff, the Korean Catholic Church will be eligible to celebrate veneration of Yun Ji Choong and fellow 123 Martyrs every year on May 29 beginning next year.
3> Biography of Major Martyrs
Yun Ji -chung Paul (1759-1791): The first Chosun martyr who was killed for his faith in Christianity
Yun Ji-chung Paul was born in 1759 to a noble family in Jinsan, Jeolla-do. Yun Ji-heon Francis, who was martyred during the Shinyu Persecution of 1801, was his younger brother. In 1783, Yun Ji Choong Paul passed the first state examination and learned about Catholic for the first time through his cousin Jung Yak Yong John. After being baptized in 1787, he preached the Catholic doctrine to his mother, younger brother, and cousin Kwon Sang Yeon James. He also kept in touch with Yoo Hang Geom Augustine to keep up mission work.
When Bishop Gouvea from Beijing, China ordered Chosun Church to ban ancestral rites, Yun Ji Chung and Kwon Sang Yeon put their ancestral tablet on fire. In addition, when Yun Ji Chung’s mother passed away in the following year, he followed Catholic funeral customs. This event is called ‘Jinsan incident’. The court soon issued a warrant for an arrest for both Yun Ji Chung and Kwon Sang Yeon. Although they first escaped to Chungcheong-do, they turned themselves to Jinsan government office on October 1791. Despite severe torture, they refused apostasy and eventually were sentenced to death. On December 8th, 1791, they were executed as they sang ‘Jesus Maria’.
Rev. Ju Mun Mo James (1752-1801): The first missionary priest to be dispatched to Chosun
Born in Gangnam area in China in 1752, he lost his parents early in life and were raised by his grandmother. He entered Catholic by himself and became a priest as one of the first graduates at Beijing Archdiocese seminary. At that time, Bishop Gouvea in Beijing was planning to send a clergy to Chosun. He chose Father Ju, who had a strong faith and looked similar to Chosun people. After leaving Bejing on February 1794, Father Ju waited at Yodong area until the Amnokgang River froze enough to cross across. On the appointed date, he went to a town located on the border between China and Chosun to meet secret envoys sent from Chosun and entered Chosun on the night of December 24th. Since then, Father Ju stayed at the house of a faithful to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabets. On Easter of 1795, he held a mass with the faithful for the first time. However, after his entry was revealed, he escaped to female President Kang Wan Sook (Colomba)’s house and continued to pray in many areas in secrecy. The number of the faithful increased to 10,000 after six years but as the Catholic Persecution of 1801 occurred and the faithful were forced to confess the location of Father Ju, he decided to surrender on March 11th of that year. On May 31st, Father Ju was decapitated at Saenamteo area near Han River at the age of 49.
Yun Yoo Il Paul (1760-1795): A secret envoy from Beijing who helped missionary to enter Chosun
He was born in Yeoju, Kyungki-do in 1760. After moving to Yanggeun, he encountered Catholic while studying under Kwon Chul Shin. He learned Catholic doctrine from Kwon Il Shin, the younger brother of Kwon Chul Shin, and entered into Catholic. He then preached the doctrine to his family. In 1789, Yun Yoo Il was selected as a secret envoy by the church leaders to report the situation of Chosun church to Bishop Gouvea. Thus, he went to Beijing two times: in 1789 and in 1790. In 1791, Bishop Gouvea’s plan to dispatch a priest failed and persecution took place in Chosun. Nonetheless, Yun Yoo Il continued to endeavor to dispatch a priest. In 1794, he finally succeeded in bringing Father Ju Mun Mo to Chosun. Since then, he was responsible for keeping in contact with Beijing church. In 1795, Yun Yoo Il was arrested along with Ji Hwang (Sabas), Choi In Gil (Mathew). They were tortured to tell the location of Father Ju, but their strong endurance and wise response rather confused the persecutors. As a result, the three of them were beaten to death on June 28th of that year, when Yun Yoo Il was 35, Ji Hwang 28, and Choi In Gil 30.
Jeong Yak Jong Augustinus (1760-1801): The first Catholic lay theologian in Korea
In 1760, he was born into a family of scholars in Majae (current Neungnae-ri Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si Gyeonggi-go). He is the father of Jeong Chul Sang(Charles ?-1801) who will be beatified together with the 123 Blessed and St. Jeong Ha Sang Paul (martyred in 1839), who was declared saint in 1984. After learning Catholic doctrine from his older brother Jeong Yak Jeon in 1786, he moved to Yanggeon Bunwon (current Bunwon-ri, Namjeong-myeon, Gwangju-gun, Gyeonggi-go) to live a life of faith and preached a doctrine to his neighbors while participating in church activities. After Father Ju Mun Mo came in 1794, Jeong Yak Jong often visited Han Yang to help church work. He also wrote two easy Hangul textbooks called ‘Jugyo-yoji’ a Catechism in the Korean language and distributed them to Christians with Father Ju’s approval. Moreover, he became the first president of a layperson association called ‘Myeongdo-hoe’ which was organized by Father Ju. When persecution began in his hometown in 1800, Jeong Yak Jong and his family moved to Han Yang. However, Catholic Persecution of 1801 began in the following year and Jeong Yak Jong was arrested. As he tried to preach the righteousness of Catholic doctrine to persecutors, he was decapitated at Seosomun in 15 days after he was arrested. When he was martyred, he said “I’d rather die looking up at the sky than to die looking down at the ground” and was decapitated while looking up at the sky. That was April 8th, 1801, when he was at age 41.
Kang Wan Sook Columba(1761-1801): Female leader of Chosun Catholic
In 1761, she was born to a concubine of a noble family in Naepo area in ChungCheong-do. She learned about Catholic soon after she was married and practiced doctrine by reading Catholic books. During the persecution in 1791, she was imprisoned while taking care of the imprisoned faithful. Kang Wan Sook guided her mother-in-law and her son from previous marriage (Hong Pil Joo Phillips, martyred in 1801) to enter Catholic but she could not make her husband enter Catholic. Later, when her husband got a concubine, Kang Wan Sook and her husband lived separately. After hearing that the faithful in Han Yang are will-informed with Catholic doctrine, she moved to Han Yang with her mother-in-law and her son. She provided financial support to Christians working on recruiting a clergy and was baptized by Father Ju Mun Mo. Knowing her fine personality, Father Ju appointed Kang Wan Sook as a female President to take care of the faithful. When a persecution in 1795 took place, Kang Wan Sook took advantage of the fact that persecutors cannot search a house owned by a woman and let Father Ju to take refuge in her house. Her house was also used for the faithful’s assembly. On April 6th, 1801, Kang Wan Sook helped Father Ju to escape while being arrested. Although persecutors tried to trace Father Ju’s whereabouts through her, she refused to confess. On July 2nd, she was decapitated outside Seosomun at age 40.
Yu Hang-geom Augustine (1756-1801): The priest of Ho Nam
Yu Hang-geum Augustine was born in 1756 in Chonam, Jeonju. He learned the catechism soon after Catholicism was introduced to Korea in 1784 and became a Catholic. His sons Yu Jung-cheol John , Yu Mun-seok John and his daughter-in-law Yi Sun-i Lutgarda and his nephew Yu Jung-seong Matthew will be beatified along with Yu Hang-geom Augustine.
He showed compassion and gave alms to poor neighbors as well as to his servants. Augustine Yu was appointed as pastor of Jeolla-do region when in the spring of 1786, the leaders of the Catholics held a meeting and appointed clergy at their own discretion. Afterwards, Augustine Yu returned to his hometown and celebrated Mass and administered the Sacraments to the faithful. However, after a while, the leaders of the Catholics understood that such an act was a sacrilege. As soon as this was brought to his attention, he stopped immediately.
When the Persecution of 1801 broke out, Augustine Yu, who was recognized as the head of the Church in the Jeolla-do region, was first to be arrested. He was taken to Seoul (Hanyang) from Jeon ju where he underwent interrogation and torture at the Police Headquarters. However, since he was already determined to die a martyr, he neither betrayed the other believers nor said anything that would harm the Church. The persecutors, despite all their efforts, could not et any of the information they were looking for. Hence, they charged him with the crime of treason and ordered that he be executed. With this decision, Augustine Yu was transferred back to Jeonju, where he was hacked to pieces outside the South Gate of Jeonju.
Hwang Il-gwang Simon (1757-1802): Heaven exists here and hereafter Hwang Il-gwang Simon was born in Hongju, Chungcheong-do to a low-class family. Around 1792, he moved to Hongsan where he went tosee Yi Jon-chang Louis Gonzaga to learn about the Catholic teaching. After he understood the faith, he left his hometown and moved to Gyeongsang-do to have more freedom to practice his religious life. The Catholics knew about the social status of Simon Hwang, but they welcomed him with open hearts and surrounded him with Christian charity. On receiving such treatment he sometimes made jokes as follows: “Here, everybody treats me as a human being despite my low-class status. Now, I believe that Heaven exists here and hereafter.”
In 1800 Simon Hwang moved to the neighboring house of Jeong Yak-jong Augustine and when Augustine Jeong moved to Seoul (Hanyang), he also moved to Seoul (Hanyang) with his younger brother and made his living by selling firewood. In 1801, Simon Hwang was arrested while he was on his way to the mountain to get firewood. By stating that the Catholic religion is a ‘holy religion’, he was cruelly beaten to the point that one of his legs was broken. Simon Hwang was then transferred to his hometown Hong ju and was beheaded. It was on January 30, 1802 when Simon Hwang was 45 years old.
Yi Sun-I Lutgarda (1782-1802): A couple who kept their virginity through faith Yi Sun-I Lutgarda was born in 1782 to a well-known noble family. Her brothers Yi Gyeong-do Charles (martyred in 1801) and Yi Gyeong-eon Paul (martyred in 1827), and her husband Yu Jung-cheol John (martyred in 1801) will be beatified with her. Yi Yun-ha. Matthew, Lutgarda Yi’s father, inherited the scholarship of his maternal grandfather Yi Ik who was a renowned scholar of the time. Matthew Yi became a Catholic in 1784, soon after Catholicism was introduced to Korea, when he met Kwon Chol-sin, and Kwon Il-sin.
Lutgarda Yi received her First Holy Communion from Father Zhou Wen-mo James and made a vow of chastity. However, in the society of that time, it was extremely difficult for a young woman to remain single. When she was 15 years old, Lutgarda confessed to her mother that she had decided to keep her vow of chastity for God. Her mother agreed with her decision and consulted Father James Zhou. Father James Zhou remembered that Yu Jung-cheol John also wanted to live a life of celibacy. Hence, he immediately sent a messenger and arranged their marriage. In 1798, Lutgarda Yi went to her husband’s hometown, Chonam in Jeonju and made a vow to live a celibate life.
During Shinyu Persecution in 1801, Yu Hang-gom Augustine, her father-in-law, was first arrested. Lutgarda Yi was arrested later and was taken to Jeonju. Lutgarda Yi was condemned to exile and left for Hamgyeong-do. However soon the police followed them and arrested them again. On January 31st, 1802, Lutgarda Yi was taken to the execution ground in Jeonju, called ‘Supjeongi’ and was beheaded. Lutgarda Yi was 20 years old. The letter she wrote while she was imprisoned in Jeonju still remains until today and testifies for the values of Catholics of the time.
Kim Jin-hu Pius (1739-1814): The ancestor of the St. Kim Taegon Andrew
Kim Jin-hu Pius was born in Solmoe, Chungcheong-do. He was the great-grandfather of St. Kim Taegon Andrew and the father of Kim Jong-han Andrew, who was martyred in 1816 and who will be beatified with the 123 Blessed. Pius Kim encountered Catholicism when his eldest son learned the catechism from Yi Jon-chang Gonzaga and taught it to his brothers. Then, Pius Kim was about 50 years old. As he obtained a small government post from the governor, he strongly refused the advice of his children. However, as his sons kept persuading him, he gradually drawn towards Jesus Christ and quitted his government position to focus on fulfilling religious duties.
When Pius Kim was arrested during the Sinhae persecution in 1791, he professed his faith in God. He was arrested four to five more times but was released each time. He was also arrested during the Shinyu Persecution in 1801, but was exiled and set free. Pius Kim was arrested again in 1805 and was taken to Haemi. This time, he behaved like a real Catholic and professed his faith in God without hesitation. He stayed in prison for a long time without being sentenced to death. In prison, the officials and prison guards respected him for his noble and dignified personality and conduct. He spent 10 years in prison, during which he endured the sufferings and pains of prison. He died in prison on December 1st, 1814 at the age of 75.
Yi Seong-rye(1801-1840): Mother who inherited faith to her children
She was born in 1801 in Hongju, Chungcheong-do. She was from the family of Louis Gonzaga Yi Jon-chang. At the age of 17, she married St. Francis Choe Kyeong-hwan and lived in Darakgol, Hongju. In 1821 she gave birth to their first son, Thomas Choe Yang-up.
Due to the danger of persecution the family had to move frequently but Yi Seong-rye told biblical stories to her children and taught them to endure difficulties and to be patient. After settling down in Surisan(currently Gunpo-city, Gyeonggi-do) she helped her husband to set up the Christian village. Meanwhile her son Thomas Choe Yang-up was chosen to be a candidate for the seminarian and was sent to Macau to study theology.
In 1839, during Gihae persecution her husband went back and forth Hanyang(now Seoul) to take care of the bodies of the Martyrs, she supported her husband and finally was arrested by the police with her whole family in Surisan. She suffered painfully not because of the torture, but because of her maternal love for her new-born baby who was nearly starved to death due to lack of milk from his mother. Yi could no longer abandon her baby so she yielded to defy her faith and was release from prison. When her eldest son left to China to be a seminarian, she was imprisoned once again. When she was sentenced to death, with divine grace and prayers from her Catholic friends, she overcame all the temptation and was sent to Danggogae(now Wonhyoro 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) to be beheaded at the age of 39.
4>Biographical Data of Yun Ji-Chung Paul and fellow 123 Martyrs(100men and 24 Women)
Please refer to the attached document
5> Statistical Data on the 124 Blessed
★Method of martyrdom http://www.catholictimes.org/view.aspx?AID=166454
■ Beheaded(76, 61.8%) ■? Beaten to death(15, 12.1%) ■? Hanging(11 9%)
■ Death by dismemberment(2) ■? Hanging up the head after decapitated(1) ■? Others(Died in jail 12, unknown 7)
★?Regional proportion http://www.catholictimes.org/view.aspx?AID=166566
■? Hanyang (Ancient name of Seoul, 37, 29.8%) ■? Gyeonggi province (13, 10.5%)
■? Gangwon Province (3, 2.4%) ■? ChoongChung province (18, 14.5%)
■? Jeolla Province (24, 19.4%) ■? Gyeongsang Province (29, 23.4%)
★?Social status http://www.catholictimes.org/view.aspx?AID=166723
■? Yangban: noble class(60, 48.4%) ■? Middle class(33, 26.6%) ■? Lower class(4, 3.2%)
■? Not known(27, 21.8%)
★??Other significant classification of the 124 Blessed
Age: Youngest is aged 12 Lee Bong Geum, oldest is aged 75, Kim Jin Hoo. The youngest list in the 103 Blessed was Yoo Dae Chul who is one year older and the oldest 78 years Yu Jo EI is three years older than those of the 124 Blessed.
★??According to age group: 5 teenagers, 15 in the twenties, 21 in the thirties, 21 in the forties, 19 in the fifties, 11 in the sixties, 5 in the seventies, age unknown are 27. Most of the Blessed have been found to be in the age group of 30~40.
★??Baptized name of the 124 Blessed: Peter has been found to be the most popular patron as 12 were Baptized under the Apostle. Next was Paul(9), Francesco(9), Jacob(7), Andrew(7), John(6),Barbara(5),Martha(3),Antonio(3),Simon(3), Thomas(3), Martino(3).
Following Saints were found to be patrons of two servants of God respectively. Joseph, Taddeo, Garolo, Agada, Barnabas, Mathew, Augustine, Luke, Anna, Anastacia.
3. Significance and results of Beatification of ‘Yun Ji-Choong Paul and fellow 123 Martyrs
1> Significant Meaning
The Beatification of ‘Yun Ji-Choong and fellow 123 Martyrs’ was processed under the supervision of Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea throughout the nation. The decision for the Beatification has been driven by the hard work of Korean Catholic Church. This has a significant meaning as the church throughout the world recognized our competency as well as the veneration and pious prayer of our faithful. < Source: Episcopal Commission Chair for Beatification, Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, Bishop Ahn Myeong Ok , February 12, 2014 Catholic newspaper interview>
In 1984 Canonization of St. Kim Dae Geun Andrew and fellow martyrs 103 was conducted. In this case, the process was led by Societé de Missions ?trangères de Paris. There was lack of satisfaction due to omission of Martyrs who suffered and died before the French Society entered Korea. The processing for the 124 Martyrs involved tracing back to the initial stage of persecution far back to 1801 during the Shinyoo persecution, excavating evidence of their holy lives. More importantly it is significant for the spontaneous passion of our ancestors who build the foundation of faith in this land and that it has been recognized by the whole world.
2> Results of the procession
In 1997 Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea held Autumn Conference and decided to combine its 'Korean Catholic Two Hundred Years Commemoration Commission' and Beatification process which was conducted by respective diocese as a one unified 'combined process'. Until then dioceses were processing ShinHae persecution(1791) and ShinYoo persecution(1801). During the process those who were omitted in the 103 Canonization but later found out to have martyred during KyeHae and ByeongIn persecutions were added for respect.
In 2001 Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea held Spring General Assembly and decided to proceed as a 'comprehensive procession' and designated petitioner as “Bishops' Conference” and elected Bishop Park Jung Il of Masan Diocese as the Chair of the Commission.
In October 18, 2001 Commemorating 200th year of ShinYoo persecution. Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea organized Episcopal Commission Chair for Beatification. Appointed Bishop Park Jung Il as the Chairperson(Current Chair is his successor Bishop Ahn Myeong Ok)
In July 5, 2004 Court hearing for Martyrs of ShinHae and ShinYoo persecution
In May 20, 2009 (domestic)Closing of court hearing on the preliminary investigation (total of 36 hearings)
In June 3, 2009 Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea send investigation documents to Congregation of the Causes for Saints and make formal application.
In March 2013 Petition for Yun Ji-Choong and fellow 123 Martyrs approved by the Historical Commission.
In October 2013 The Petition approved by Theology Commission.
In February 4, 2014 The Petition approved by Cardinal and Bishop's Conference of the Holy See.
In February 8, Pope Francis formally approves decretal submitted by Congregation of Causes for Saints on Beatification of Yun Ji-Chang Paul and fellow 123 Martyrs(Decision on Beatification).
3) Saints and Blessed of Asian countries (Year of Canonization and Beatification)
Vietnam: adults 117(St. Andrew Deung lak and fellow Martyrs, June 19, 1988 , Canonization by Pope John Paul II) / Blessed 1(Andrew Drea Hu Nghen, March 5, 2000 Beatification by Pope John Paul II)
Japan: Saints 42(26
China: 120(St. Augustine Chao Ron and fellow Martyrs119, October 1, 2000 Canonization by Pope John Paul II)
Philippines: Saints 2(Lorenzo Ruiz: Layperson, 1987 Canonized by Pope John Paul II/ Petro Carlonso: Layperson, 2012 Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI), Blessed 1: Manila Hose Maria
* Episcopal Commission Chair for Beatification to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea http://koreanmartyrs.or.kr
