I live in South Korea, where the relics of the Korean Martyrs are kept in various places! Korean Martyrs are a group of martyrs who were killed for their faith in the late Joseon Dynasty. I learned a lot about this after I returned to Korea for recovery and went to the sacred lands. Here are some information I know:
Many kings did not like the spread of Catholicism because they believed that Catholics will eventually end the dynasty. Therefore, many were imprisoned, martyred, and banished. 8,000 Catholics were martyred in the Byungin Persecution (병인박해) from 1866 until 1871. Many had to hide and some died of starvation, malnutrition as there were no resources for them. But it did not stop Catholicism and eventually the King Gojong accepted Christianity in Korea and allowed the faith to be practiced.
I was very, very sad when I heard this story from a sister in Korea that I met. She told me that there are many holy lands in Korea where the martyrs lived and died. She also told me that their relics are preserved there. I asked my grandmother and it turns out that she already went to most of these places (she was Catholic long, long time ago before I converted).
I went with my mother to Jeoldu-san Martyrs’ Shrine, where 3,000 relics of martyrs are kept. The museum was closed because it was during a very hot day in summer, so we went to the chapel instead. We prayed the rosary and we went to the crypt where the remains were buried. The crypt was beautiful and in front of the eyes, the enclosed graves of the martyrs were there. I wanted to cry, but my mom was praying so earnestly so I didn’t want to disturb her. We didn’t get to see all the relics because the rest of them were in museum, but I was already very content.
So I prayed quietly, too, and couldn’t believe that the relics of the saints were right in front of me. I bowed down in respect and kissed the ground. It was an emotional experience.
On another day, we went to Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the archbishop of Seoul, to venerate the relics of martyrs. We went to the crypt, where we saw the enclosed remains of many foreign missionaries and Korean martyrs.
I have a huge respect for the Korean Martyrs because it is how the Catholic Church in Korea gained her recognition from the blood of the martyrs. Most of these people were laypeople and missionaries from abroad. I think they have supported me to be more strengthened with the love of God. I’ll just post some pictures!
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This is Myeongdong Cathedral…
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The crypt where the remains are interred. This is the place I visited!
and…
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Pilgrimage route in Seoul to visit shrines within Seoul. The best way, perhaps, is to take the subway or bus! The traffic here is really, really bad!
Anyway, friends- thank you for reading. I shall depart. I am so sorry for the long post!
Michelle
(Also, credit to Korea. net for the photos!)
