St. Luke Hwang Sok-Tu

St. Luke Hwang Sok-Tu was poised for major success. He was the son that his father was counting on to become a famous scholar and give their family a proud reputation. As a youth, St. Sok-Tu had success after success in his academics. Soon, he was ready for the civil examination that would determine his future. 

But as he neared the testing, St. Sok-Tu’s teacher, who was a secret Catholic, shared with him a Catholic book. His teacher told him, “Although the Western learning is forbidden in this country, this book contains truth that I have never seen elsewhere.” St. Sok-Tu was surprised by his teacher- Catholics in Korea were hunted, imprisoned, and put to death. But, he read the book then put it aside to prepare for his testing.

Then, it was time to travel to Seoul for the examination.

St. Sok-Tu lodged at an inn and found that he was sharing a room with an elderly scholar who just so happened to be Catholic. The two engaged in discussion the whole night about earth’s creation, Chinese principles, and the soul. In the early hours of the morning, St. Sok-Tu was convinced he had found the truth. He gave up the examination and returned home with Catholic books.

His father was furious. St. Sok-Tu had deeply failed all his expectations for him. His father was so angry that he threatened to behead Sok-Tu himself. He ordered their servant to set up a chopping block. In rage he yelled to the servant to cut off his son’s head, but the servant couldn’t do it, and finally the father stopped.

For two entire years after, St. Sok-Tu pretended to be mute. Finally, his father couldn’t take it anymore and pleaded with St. Sok-Tu to speak.

When St. Sok-Tu opened his mouth, he spoke of the good news of Jesus. This time, his father listened. And the whole entire family converted.

For over twenty years, St. Sok-Tu served the Church. Toward the end of his life, he was called by the Bishop to translate Church publications from Chinese to Korean. All of his early studies led to this moment- his translation of six books contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Korean Church which lacked Catholic publications in their language.

St. Sok-Tu was beheaded alongside the Bishop on March 30, 1866.

St. Luke Hwang Sok-Tu, Pray for Us.