Saint Peter Yi Ho-yŏng

Peter Yi Ho-yŏng (1803 in Icheon, Korea – November 2, 1838 in Seoul) was a catechist, martyr, and saint of the Catholic Church. After his father's death, Peter Yi Ho-yŏng moved to Seoul, where he lived in poverty with his family. During the persecutions, he was arrested in February 1835 while returning home from work. He spent four years in prison, where he was subjected to various forms of torture to force him to renounce his faith. His kindness and simplicity earned the admiration of other prisoners and even the guards. His sister, Agatha Yi So-sa, was also imprisoned. Although they were held in different cells, the guards sometimes allowed them to meet, during which they strengthened each other in the faith. Peter Yi Ho-yŏng died in prison on November 2, 1838. His memorial day is September 20 (as part of the group of 103 Korean Martyrs). He was beatified on July 5, 1925, by Pius XI among a group of 79 martyrs (Peter Yi Ho-yŏng and companions) and canonized on May 6, 1984, by John Paul II among the 103 Korean Martyrs.