Blessed Francis Bang

Francis Bang (Korean: 방 프란치스코; born in Myeoncheon, Chungcheong Province, Korea; died January 21, 1799, in Hongju, Chungcheong Province) was a Korean martyr and a blessed of the Catholic Church. Francis Bang was born in Myeoncheon in the then-Korean province of Chungcheong. He was an officer. In his hometown, he encountered Christianity and eventually became a Catholic. To study the catechism and pray, he frequently met with Peter Jeong San-pil, Lawrence Pak Chwi-deuk, and James Won Si-bo, all of whom later suffered martyrdom. In 1797, during a period of persecution, many Catholics were imprisoned in Korea. Francis Bang was imprisoned the following year. After six months, he was sentenced to death for his faith. He was executed on January 21, 1799, in Hongju. Francis Bang was beatified by Pope Francis on August 16, 2014, as part of a group of 124 Korean martyrs. He is commemorated on May 31 with the group of 124 Korean martyrs.