Gwanggyo Column by Kim Woo-young My Heart Found Peace at Namyang Marian Shrine

'Namyang Marian Shrine,' Korea's only Marian shrine, has been selected for the 'Gyeonggi-do Unique Venue 2021' competition hosted by Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. A unique venue is a place where visitors can experience the distinctive atmosphere and unique charm of an event-hosting city, rather than a traditional conference facility.

Namyang Marian Shrine is located at 1704 Namyang-ri, Namyang-eup, Hwaseong-si. I first visited this place in the early 1990s. It was a time when I had many concerns on my mind.

At that time, the landscape was not yet fully completed as it is today. Still, from the moment I entered the gate, my heart found peace. Although I have not been able to visit frequently, I also visited there this past summer.

In most of my travels, I include a mountain temple somewhere. Although I am not a Buddhist, it is because the quietude offered by mountain temples and their surrounding scenery help me let go of cluttered thoughts.

It is truly strange. To feel such peace here, as if standing in the quiet courtyard of a secluded temple deep in the mountains. Especially considering that this place was an execution ground where many martyrs suffered and died during the great persecution of Catholics in Byeong-in year (1866).

But thinking about it, even as they were dying, these martyrs sang hymns of praise or offered prayers without harboring resentment or anger toward humanity and the world. They ended their earthly lives within a firm conviction of salvation and went to the side of 'Him.'

Thus, this place became not an execution ground steeped in resentment, but a sacred site where the mystery of faith took place.

According to records in 'Diary of Martyrdom (致命日記)' and 'Testimonies,' the martyrs include Kim Philippus (1818-1868), Park Maria (1818-1868), Jung Philippus (?-1867), Kim Hong-seo Thoma (1830-1868), and others. Beyond these, how many unnamed martyrs remain unrecorded?

Had I been a Catholic believer at that time, could I have endured such brutal torture and even death by strangulation or beheading without renouncing my faith, as these martyrs did? I am uncertain of myself.

Among the martyrs of Namyang Shrine, Kim Philippus and his wife Park Maria were captured by local government officers in 1868 and brought to Namyang. The couple did not renounce their faith despite all forms of torture, and after a month of imprisonment, they were executed by hanging. Both were 50 years old at the time, being of the same age.

Jung Philippus was captured by local government officers at Namyang in November 1866 and, undaunted by severe torture, was executed by hanging in January of the following year, 1867. Kim Hong-seo Thoma never renounced his faith and was executed by hanging together with Kim Philippus and his wife in 1868.

According to materials from Namyang Shrine, unlike other martyrdom sites, this place was the place where unnamed martyrs met their end. Therefore, it lay neglected for a long time until consecration began in 1983. Father Sang-gak Lee's dedicated efforts were instrumental in this process. Namyang Martyrs' Shrine was officially proclaimed as Korea's Catholic Church's first Marian pilgrimage site on October 7, 1991.

After his assignment to Namyang Church in August 1989, Father Lee dedicated himself to creating the Marian Shrine, which holds the fervent prayers of the martyrs. He purchased land surrounding the shrine site, which had only remains of the martyrdom location, and even designed the landscaping himself.

As a result, Namyang Shrine has become a healing destination not only for Catholics but also for local residents. Pilgrims from across the country visit, find peaceful rest, purify their hearts, and depart. Hwaseong City has also designated this place as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hwaseong and promotes it accordingly.

The symbols of Namyang Shrine include a large granite rosary bead, Christ the King statue, Marian grotto, forest paths with small statues, and Saint Joseph statue. Be sure to walk the Way of the Cross and forest paths within the shrine.

In particular, the 'Namyang Mary Cathedral' designed by world-renowned architect Mario Botta has become a new symbol. It is said that Mario Botta revised the design as many as 13 times, showing his utmost dedication to the cathedral.

The cathedral spans 4,958 square meters (two stories with two symbolic pillars 18 meters tall). The first floor features a small auditorium (370 seats) where local residents can enjoy culture and arts, while the second floor contains the church (1,400 seats) where Mass is held.

Inside the cathedral, raw materials such as glass, brick, and wood blend naturally without additional interior decoration, creating a space that is beautiful in itself.

Furthermore, a tea chapel designed by Peter Zumthor, a master of architecture and art, is currently under construction, and it is certain that Namyang Shrine will be reborn as a world-class religious destination.

Namyang Marian Shrine is open year-round and offers free admission. However, please leave your pets at home, as the shrine is a sacred place and pets are not permitted.