St. Francis Choe Kyong-hwan

Francis Choe Kyong-hwan helped build a Catholic community near Mount Suri, clearing land and assisting families as they settled. He gathered neighbors for religious instruction and became a catechist. During persecution he collected money for imprisoned Catholics and poor neighbors, and helped bury people who had been executed.

He and his wife agreed to send their son Thomas Yang-eop abroad to prepare for the priesthood. Arrested with other villagers in 1839, Francis continued teaching and praying in prison. He died there after repeated torture in September. His canonized status is distinct from the separate recognition histories of his wife and son.