On Sept. 20, 2024 — the feast of Sts. Andrew Kim Daegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, martyrs — I was blessed to attend Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea.
For two and a half weeks, I went on pilgrimage to some of the historic sites and shrines of the Korean Catholic martyrs.
The pilgrimage was a special homecoming for me. I’d lived in Ulsan, South Korea, many years ago, and although I’d returned to visit since then, this time, I was returning to Korea as a practicing Catholic.
My guide, a Korean seminarian, brought me to the chapel of the Seoul seminary to venerate St. Andrew Kim Daegon’s major relic — his head. I also visited St. Andrew Kim Daegon’s birthplace in Solmoe and the place where he was beheaded at Saenamto in Seoul.
From 1791-1866, around 10,000 Catholics died at the hands of Joseon Dynasty officials in five waves of persecutions.
One hundred three Korean martyrs — including St. Andrew Kim Daegon, Korea’s first native priest, and St. Paul Chong Hasang — were canonized by St. John Paul II in 1984.
In 2014, Pope Francis beatified 124 more martyrs at Gwangwhamun Gate of Gyeongbuk Palace, where I was able to pray during my pilgrimage.
I also went to Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine in Seoul, the Haemi International Martyrs’ Shrine near Seosan and a martyrs’ shrine in Ulsan.
Elena Cambio in front of the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo courtesy of Elena Cambio)
During my pilgrimage, I felt God’s love and peace through the assistance of strangers and the presence of friends old and new.
With partial funding from Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, I am making a documentary film about my pilgrimage experience. It will be screened at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry on Jan. 17, 2026.
Tags: Feast Days & Saints, Pilgrimages
