Biography
Perpetua Hong Kum-ju
About Perpetua Hong Kum-ju
Perpetua Hong Kum-ju was born outside Seoul in 1804. After losing her parents, she was raised by her grandmother. She learned about Catholicism as a child, but after marrying a man who did not share her faith, her religious practice lapsed. Following his death, encouragement from Catholics helped her return to the religion.
With her young son, she lived in Catholic households and worked to support herself. The encyclopedia remembers her prayer and care for sick people.
The bishops’ conference biography names Philip Choe as a host who renewed her religious instruction.
During the persecution of 1839, she was arrested with members of the household where she stayed. She continued to care for Catholics and other prisoners while awaiting execution.
Perpetua was executed outside Seoul’s Small West Gate on September 26, 1839.
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