A portrait of 124 martyrs recently beatified by Pope Francis was unveiled on August 16. The martyrs are Paul Yun Ji-chung (1759-1791) and his companions.



The picture was painted by Kim Young-joo and is titled, “People Who Open the Light of Dawn,” which symbolizes the wish of the martyrs, believers who upheld their religious faith with their blood. In the picture, the martyrs hold palm leaves as a symbol of victory, crosses, which signify martyrdom, and lilies, a symbol of sympathy. The background is filled with the light of the glory of heaven.

Father Ju Mun-mo, the only priest among the martyrs, draws the eye as he is wearing a gown with red stripes. The youngest martyr, Anastasia Yi Bong-geum, is depicted in the front row holding a wreath made of Roses of Sharon and lilies. In the picture, all of the people are happy to be in the land of the Lord after death.

​Kim said she used five images, including those of a pioneer, happiness and comfort in heaven as described in the Book of Revelation, in order to express the heavenly glory.

The painter said she painted the portrait while repeating the following prayer: “My Lord, I believe the 124 martyrs went to Your land and are enjoying eternal happiness in Your light. Please implore Your mercy so that we can follow their faith and proceed in the way of infinite life as their descendants.”

By Wi Tack-whan, Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writers
whan23@korea.kr