Saint Joseph Chang Sŏng-jib

Saint Joseph Chang Sŏng-jib (1786–May 26, 1839) was a Korean martyr and a saint of the Catholic Church. Born in Seoul to a non-Christian family, Joseph Chang Sŏng-jib worked in a herbal shop. He was married twice, but both wives died shortly after their marriages. At the age of 30, he began studying the catechism and was baptized in April 1838. He was arrested for his faith on May 18, 1839. Despite the efforts of many neighbors and friends to persuade him to renounce his faith, he remained steadfast and continued to teach them the catechism. He was beaten in prison in an attempt to force him to apostatize. He died in a Seoul prison on May 26, 1839. His memorial day is September 20, as part of the group of the 103 Korean Martyrs. He was beatified on July 5, 1925, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 6, 1984, by Pope John Paul II as one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.