[Meet the Saints of Korea] Saint Laurent-Joseph-Marius Imbert

 

 

The image shows Saint Imbert and Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine, drawn by Professor Yoon Young-sun.

Biographical Information
Birth: 1796, Marignane, France
Martyrdom: 1839 (age 43) at Saenamteo (Executed by beheading; body publicly displayed)
Ecclesiastical Status: Bishop (2nd Vicar Apostolic of Korea)
Korean name: Beom Se-hyeong (범세형)

Petitioning the Virgin Mary as the Patroness of Joseon

January 1st marks the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Korean Church, which venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived without original sin, has a unique devotion to her.

During the height of persecution in 1838, Bishop Imbert submitted a petition to the Vatican, requesting that the Virgin Mary be designated as the protector of Joseon. Though he did not live to see the response, his request was granted in 1841, two years after his martyrdom. Pope Gregory XVI officially declared the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary as the protector of Korea, solidifying a profound spiritual connection between the Korean Church and Our Lady.

A Good Shepherd Who Laid Down His Life

"I traveled ten thousand miles without hesitation to save souls. How could I betray them by revealing their names and causing harm? Even if swords and saws stand before me, and my body turns to dust, I cannot speak."

Saint Imbert was executed at Saenamt'ŏ, and his remains were initially interred at Samseongsan, later moved to Myeongdong Cathedral, and now rest in the underground crypt of the Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine’s Byeongin Persecution Centennial Memorial Church.

Jeoldusan, meaning “Beheading Mountain,” is a sacred site where many Catholics were martyred. Today, it stands as a testament to the faith and sacrifice of the early Korean Church.

The First Bishop to Set Foot on Korean Soil

Saint Imbert was the first bishop to physically enter Korea. Amidst relentless persecution, he willingly gave his life, embodying the love of a shepherd for his flock—like a mother who would sacrifice herself to save her children.

His devotion to the Virgin Mary and his people lives on. The bishop who sought her protection for Joseon embraced his mission with the same maternal love. Today, his legacy endures at Jeoldusan, where he continues to stand as a spiritual guardian over the faithful.

By Yoon Young-sun Viviana (Professor of Architecture, Gangdong University)

December 27, 2023