Patron Saint of the Missionary Society

Saint Hwang Seok-du Luke

Hwang Seok-du was born in 1813 as the only son of a wealthy aristocratic class family in Yeonpung, Chungcheong Province. He went to Hanyang (Seoul) to take the state examination, aiming for the honor of his family. However, at a tavern, he learned about the Lord of Heaven (God) and decided to abandon everything in the world to pursue the "heavenly examination." Defying his family's opposition, he even pretended to be mute for three years, devoting himself more deeply to Catholicism. Eventually, his entire household converted to the Catholic faith. He dedicated himself to the Church by assisting priests and bishops of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Due to his vast knowledge, devotion, and loyalty, he became a catechist, a church leader, and an altar server, while also assisting in translating and authoring several books with the bishops.

In March 1866, when Bishop Daveluy was arrested in Geodeori, Hongju, Chungcheong Province, Hwang Seok-du wished to follow the bishop and die alongside him. At Galmaemot in Boryeong, he was beheaded along with Bishop Daveluy, Father Martin Luc Huin and Aumaitre Peter, and Joseph Jang Ju-gi. Hwang Seok-du was 54 years old when he was executed, and his head was displayed as a warning.