Peter Jeong San-pil ( ? -1799)

Peter Jeong San-pil was born in Deoksan, Chungcheong-do, to a common class family. He was reckless and strong by nature. Everyone was afraid of him. However, when he became a Catholic he became humble and gentle, and was kind to everyone.

At the end of 1794 when Father James Zhou Wen-mo came to Korea, Peter Jeong went to visit him and was baptized. He was appointed as the catechist in the Naepo region and he faithfully performed his duty. He prayed and read religion books with zeal and devoted himself to teaching the catechism to the people around him.

He and his close friends Lawrence Pak Chwi-deuk, James Won Si-bo and Francis Bang met frequently and practiced their religion. Then when the Jeongsa Persecution broke out in 1797, they were eventually arrested and all of them were martyred.

It was in 1798 or 1799 that Peter Jeong was arrested and taken to the government office of Deoksan. Peter Jeong had to go through harsh interrogation and torture many times, but he bravely testified to the teaching of God. In prison he encouraged other Catholics and he himself was never afraid to profess his faith in God. He was serene even when he signed his written sentence of death. On his execution day, when Peter Jeong received his last meal he invited his fellow Christians to eat, and said:

“God created this food for people, so let`s say a last prayer of thanksgiving and share it. We will soon enjoy everlasting happiness in Heaven."

Then Peter Jeong was taken to the execution ground and beheaded for his faith in God. It was in 1799. Peter Jeong was between 50 to 60 years old.