A witness to patriotism
In an era when patriotism or love of country is increasingly being defined by governments as obedience to national directives, rather than concern for the dignity of the people, their human rights and well-being, a move by the Church in South Korea to canonise a controversial figure from history comes as a welcome witness.
Thomas Ahn Jung-geun was born in Korea on 2 September 1879. As a young man, he studied Chinese literature and Western science, working as a coal merchant and educator, but as the Japanese colonial forces began to tighten their grip on his country in the early 20th century, he joined the Korean Freedom Fighters.
On 26 October 1909, he concealed a gun in his lunch box, made his way through a bevy of Japanese guards on a railway station in Harbin, China, and shot dead four-time Japanese prime minister and first resident-general of the Korean colony, Itō Hirobumi. A Japanese colonial court sentenced him to death.
Ahn was a Catholic. At the age of 16, he had begun attending a church with his father, but later in life when he was fleeing the Japanese, a French priest by the name of Wihelm had hidden him in his presbytery. He was baptised and studied the bible during the six or so months the two were together.
Condemned by successive bishops as a murderer and disgrace to his people, his memory lived in Church disgrace for almost 90 years until Stephen Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan rehabilitated him declaring, “Ahn acted in righteous defence of the nation. The Catholic Church does not regard killing committed to defend the nation from unjust aggression as a crime.”
Others compared him with Joan of Arc’s military endeavours of the 15th century and the biblical Judith, who beheaded the commander of an invading Syrian army in Judea. Ahn’s act was called “an act of witness to God’s justice at great risk to his own life.”
During his trial, Ahn claimed that as a general in the Korean Resistance Army he had killed a criminal that had broken trust with his own emperor and people. He said he was acting to strengthen the relationship between his own country and Japan as “a model throughout five continents.”
Those who guarded him in prison spoke highly of him, assuring him they did not believe their government would execute such a good man, but he was hanged like a common criminal on 26 March 1910, not dying before a firing squad as the prisoner of war he claimed to be.
Fr Wihelm administered the sacrament of the sick as he dangled on the rope, despite the bishops forbidding him to do so.
His last wish was to be given time to complete his essay “On Peace in Asia” and wear the white silk of a dignified death. Of the assassination of Itō, he maintained, “I have ventured to commit a serious crime, offering my life for my country. This is the behaviour of a noble-minded patriot.”
His example is a challenge to those who believe the people only exist to serve the state.
This article was written on behalf of St Columbans Mission Society.
Mission Intention for May 2022
Faith filled young people: We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest. May they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.
We ask your prayers:
The prayers of our readers are requested for the repose of the souls of friends and benefactors of the Missionary Society of St Columban who died recently and for the spiritual and the temporal welfare of all our readers, their families and friends.
Listen to "Mission World - A witness to patriotism - May 2022"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - May 2022
