Blessed Paul Yi Do-gi

Paul Yi Do-gi (Korean: 이도기 바오로; born 1743 in Cheongyang, Korea; died July 24, 1798, in Jeongsan) was a Korean martyr and a blessed of the Catholic Church. Yi Do-gi was born in 1743 in Cheongyang. In his hometown, he encountered the Catholic faith and became a Christian. After some time, he moved with his family to Jeongsan, where he worked as a potter. In 1797, persecutions of Catholics began in Korea. One day, a non-believing neighbor approached Paul Yi Do-gi and threatened to report him to the police as a leader of the local Catholics. Paul’s terrified wife tried to persuade him to flee, but he refused. Paul Yi Do-gi was arrested on June 8. In his home, persecutors found a cross and several religious books. He was tortured repeatedly to force him to renounce his faith and betray the whereabouts of other Christians; he was also offered an official position. Despite everything, Paul Yi Do-gi remained steadfast. He suffered martyrdom on July 24, 1798. Paul Yi Do-gi 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.