Marian devotion
The parish of Gokseong, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, was founded on August 15, 1958 on the site of the former prison linked to the beginning of the Jeonghae persecution of 1827.
Advocation: Our Lady of the Rosary.
Korean name: The Holy Spirit of God
Temple: . · iglesia católica de Gokseong.
Address: 20 Eupnae 11-gil, Gokseong- eup, Jeolla del Sur 57536.
Parish Foundation: August 15, 1958.
Finalization of the temple: October 6, 1958.
Historical report: the temporary prison of the persecution of 1827.
Jurisdiction: Catholic archdiocese of Gwangju.
Coordinates checked: 35.2823438, 127.2930007.
The beginning of the Jeonghae persecution
The official history of the Archdiocese in February 1827, in the village of Deoksil, places a complaint that triggered arrests of Catholics and began the persecution known as Jeonghae.
The detainees were taken to Gokseong and held in an interim prison associated with the administrative compound. The present parish occupies the solar that retains that memory.
A parish founded with only ten faithful
In 1957, Archbishop Harold Henry decided to establish a parish where the first detainees had suffered. The diocese acquired the land of the old prison although the local community then had only ten Catholics.
The parish was erected on 15 August 1958 and the temple was completed on 6 October 1958.
Our Lady of the Rosary
The Korean name means "Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary Prayer." With Mary, the invocation contemplates the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Rosary is not an empty repetition: its rhythm supports the meditation of the Gospel and unites vocal prayer, biblical memory and inner silence.
Documented memory
The archdiocese recognizes Gokseong as the historical place of the martyrs and includes him in their pilgrimage routes. In the compound, references to the prison, the ceramic oven and the history of the persecution have been preserved or rebuilt, accompanied by an exhibition space.
Marian veneration thus lives with the memory of those who endured interrogation, imprisonment and displacement through their faith.
The Rosary before the test
To pray in this place invites not to break the persecution. Christian fidelity does not seek suffering, but it can support the person when violence seeks to uproot his conscience.
Prayer for the persecutors and for religious freedom must go hand in hand with the protection of the victims and the rejection of all coercion.
Verified location
The address of the episcopal directory coincides with the chart of the martyrdom: 20 Eupnae 11-gil. The temple's mapping search returns 35.2823438, 127.2930007, coordinate used on the map.
To visit and pray
Gokseong is both an active parish and a pilgrimage place. It is appropriate to confirm times of mass, museum and reception; the archdiocese also publishes a route between Ok-gwa and Gokseong.
The Rosary can be prayed for religious freedom, persecuted Christians and those who suffer unjust imprisonment, keeping silence respectful of the memory of the place.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary of Gokseong
Our Lady of the Rosary, keeps the parish of Gokseong and the memory of those who suffered for their faith. Hold the persecuted, free from hatred persecutors and victims, and teach us to faithfully contemplate the mysteries of your Son. Let us defend dignity and freedom of conscience. Amen.
Sources consulted
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