Bishop Brennan Celebrated Korean Martyrs Mass
The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Korean Catholic community at the Bayside parish.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Catholicism
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Bishop Robert Brennan led a Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish to honor the feast day of Korean martyrs. The service also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the parish serving the Korean Catholic community in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the deep history of Korean Catholicism and the long-standing efforts of the local diocese to support this community. It served as a moment for reflection on the legacy of martyrs in the faith.
Approximately 200 congregants attended the feast-day Mass in Bayside. The parish has supported the local Korean Catholic community for 30 years.
The players
Bishop Robert Brennan
He is the current leader of the Diocese of Brooklyn who serves as the chief shepherd for the regional Catholic community.
Father John Hwang
He is a priest who coordinated with the bishop to organize the feast-day celebration for the local apostolate.
St. Andrew Kim Taegon
He is a historical figure and the first Korean Catholic priest who was executed at age 25 for his faith.
The details
Bishop Brennan decided to lead the Mass following discussions with Father John Hwang about the feast day. This celebration is part of a rotating annual event hosted by the four parishes that make up the Diocese of Brooklyn's Korean Apostolate.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Bishop Brennan celebrated the Korean Martyrs Mass.
1984: St. John Paul II canonized 103 Korean martyrs.
August 3-8, 2027: Local youth are scheduled to attend World Youth Day in Seoul.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Korean saints has transformed from a localized struggle into a global fixture of the Catholic calendar. This evolution reflects the church's broader efforts to emphasize martyrs from outside traditional European regions.
Parishioners can participate in future cultural and religious events organized by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Korean Apostolate. Those interested in the global community may also look toward upcoming youth pilgrimage opportunities in Seoul.
The takeaway
The event serves as a reminder of the long-standing commitment to faith among the Korean diaspora in the United States. Readers interested in parish history can look forward to future feast-day celebrations rotating through the regional apostolate.
What happens next
Local youth are scheduled to attend World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, taking place from August 3 to August 8, 2027.
Further reading
For more background on the faith, see the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tablet.
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