Pope Saint John Paul II

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Saint Pope John Paul II was born in Poland in 1920. He suffered the pain of losing his entire family during his childhood, and

In his youth, he experienced World War II and the oppression under Nazi rule. Amidst these trials of the times, he

He nurtured his priestly vocation in an underground seminary and was ordained a priest in 1946. Since then, he served as Auxiliary Bishop and Archbishop of Krakow.

Participated in the Second Vatican Council and contributed to the path of renewal and dialogue of the modern Church.

Elected as the 264th Pope in 1978, he visited 129 countries to preach the Gospel during his pontificate and founded World Youth Day in 1984.

We invited young people from all over the world to become one in faith.

Pope John Paul II confessed that he was protected by the maternal hand of the Virgin Mary during an assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square in 1981.

I forgave the perpetrator. This remains a profound testimony demonstrating the spirit of Christian mercy and reconciliation.

Saint John Paul II passed away in 2005 and was canonized in 2014, and the Church celebrates his feast day on October 22.

Symbol: Bishop's Staff (Crozier)

The bishop's staff (crozier) is one of the bishop's liturgical signs, used to protect, care for, and guide the flock entrusted by the Holy Spirit.

It symbolizes the office of the 'Good Shepherd'. In particular, Pope John Paul II's episcopal staff is widely known for its unique cross shape, and

It became a sign that symbolically revealed the shepherd's spirituality and mission he demonstrated.

Prayer

Merciful God,

Finding hope within young people

He called them to the church

Through the intercession of Pope Saint John Paul II,

We also spread the joy of the Gospel to the whole world.

A world where the culture of life grows

May we accomplish this together.

amen.

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest and Companion Martyrs

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Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is the first Korean Catholic priest.

Born in 1821, he was selected as a seminarian at the age of 15 and went to Macau to study. After being ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1845,

I returned to Joseon with Bishop Ferréol and Father Daveluy on the small wooden ship Raphael.

Afterwards, he worked hard to establish an entry route so that missionaries could safely enter Joseon during the era of persecution.

However, he was soon arrested and martyred at Saenamteo in 1846, one year after his ordination and six months after his return home.

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, who laid the foundation of the Korean Church with deep faith and love for God, was Pope Saint John Paul II in 1984

He was canonized as one of the 103 Korean martyr saints through a canonization ceremony held in Seoul.

Symbol: Red stole

The 'Red Stove' symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean priest.

The saint, who endured all kinds of torture at the young age of 25 and attained the glory of martyrdom, encouraged the Korean Catholics who were being persecuted while in prison.

He showed unwavering faith in God until the very end, such as by leaving behind letters.

Prayer

God, the source of truth,Father Saint Andrew Kim Taegon responded to your loveSince You made Your glory revealed through martyrdom,We also follow your words, “Take courage.”Overcoming all fearsMay we boldly bear witness to Christ with fervent love.amen.

Saint Francesca Saveria Cabrini

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Saint Francesca Saveria Cabrini was born in Italy in 1850.

Although she longed for a religious life since childhood, she endured the ordeal of being rejected several times for admission to a convent due to her weak health.

However, she overcame this with unwavering faith and passion, and devoted herself to caring for the orphanage children,

Finally, in 1880, she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Although she originally hoped for missionary work in China, she obeyed the will of Pope Leo XIII

He headed to New York for marginalized Italian immigrants. Despite his frail health, he crossed the Atlantic 30 times,

We established 67 institutions, including orphanages, schools, hospitals, and convents, across the United States, South America, and Europe.

Saint Cabrini, who died in 1917, was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized in 1946, and

Today, he is revered as the patron saint of immigrants. The saint's feast day is December 22.

Symbol: Steamship

Saint Francesca Saveria Cabrini crossed the Atlantic Ocean 30 times by ship to care for more neighbors.

The steamboat is a symbol revealing the saint's missionary zeal and firm trust in God,

It reveals the faith of a saint who listened to God's call and completely entrusted himself to Him.

Prayer

God of all,

Becoming a mother to immigrants

Showed the world an example of hospitality

In memory of Saint Francesca Saveria Cabrini, I humbly request,

We also recognized you among strangers.

Break down barriers of prejudice and discrimination

May I build a bridge that connects people.

amen.

Saint Josephine Vakita

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Saint Josephine Bakita, 'Witness of Hope,' was born in Sudan in 1869.

Kidnapped as a child, called 'Bakita' (meaning 'luck or happiness'), and sold into slavery, etc.

He suffered unspeakable hardships. Afterwards, the saint, who crossed over to Italy, in the love of God

She finally regained true dignity and freedom. In 1890, she was baptized and received the new name 'Josephina,' and

In 1893, I joined the Canosssian Daughters of Charity.

He dedicated his entire life to humble positions such as a doorman and cook at the monastery, bearing witness to God's love and forgiveness, and after his death in 1947

He was canonized in 2000. Today, he is revered as the 'Flower of Africa' and the patron saint of Sudan, and

His feast day, February 8, is also the 'World Day of Prayer Against Trafficking in Persons', which the whole world joins together.

Symbol: Broken chain

'The broken chains' symbolize Saint Josephine Vaquita being freed from the life of slavery.

At the same time, it refers to a journey of faith in which one overcomes hatred and suffering, and breaks the chains of evil, guided by God's love.

The saint is an example of a person of faith who broke these chains with God's love, conveying true freedom and hope to our time.

Prayer

God, the source of hope,

Even amidst the suffering of slavery

Realizing your love and bearing witness to hope

In memory of Saint Josephine Vakhita, I pray,

While protecting each other's dignity and freedom

Break the chains of hatred and violence

May I spread the light of hope to the world.

amen.

Saint Carolus (Carlo) Acutis

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Carlo Acutis is called 'God's influencer' and 'patron saint of the Internet'

He is a young saint who bore witness to faith in the digital age. Born in the UK in 1991 and raised in Italy, he

Confessing that “the Eucharist is my highway to heaven,” he placed daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration at the center of his life from the age of seven.

In particular, utilizing outstanding computer talents, he created a website compiling Eucharistic miracles from around the world and various faith education materials

He dedicated himself to spreading awareness through digital media. Furthermore, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, he took the lead in helping poor neighbors,

He completely dedicated his suffering to the Church and the Pope until his death from acute leukemia in 2006.

He was laid to rest in Assisi as he wished, was canonized in 2025, and his feast day is October 12.

Symbol: Computer