Saint Simonmariejust Ranfer De Bretenières

Biography

Saint Simonmariejust Ranfer De Bretenières, also known as Pere Païk Chen Fou (Father White as Snow), was born on 28 February 1838 in the home of his maternal grandparents at Châlon-sur-Saône, Saône-et-Loire, France. Born into nobility, he received a good education and later obtained a degree in Lyon, France in 1856. Following his studies, Simon entered the Sulpician seminary in Paris, France in 1859. In search of a more profound calling, he decided to join the Paris Foreign Missions Society. On 25 July 1861, Simon began studying at their seminary with the goal of becoming a missionary. After completing his seminary training, Simon was ordained a priest on 21 May 1864. He was then assigned to Korea, a country where Christians were facing persecution at the time. Simon embarked on a perilous journey, which took him ten months of travel before he managed to secretly enter Korea on 29 May 1865. Upon his arrival, Simon began ministering to the Christian community in Korea. He worked closely with another saint, Siméon-François Berneux, collaborating to strengthen and support the growing Christian community in spite of the oppressive environment. Unfortunately, the situation became increasingly dangerous, and Simon's dedication to his faith ultimately led to his arrest on 26 February 1866. He, along with his bishop and two fellow priests, was imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately martyred for his faith. During his imprisonment, Simon endured unimaginable suffering. Quicklime was thrown into his eyes, leaving him blinded. Despite this, he remained resolute and unwavering in his commitment to Christ. Finally, on 7 March 1866, Simon was beheaded on a beach beside the Han River in Saenamteo, Seoul, South Korea. His brave and steadfast witness to his faith has made him one of the revered Martyrs of Korea. Saint Simonmariejust Ranfer De Bretenières' martyrdom did not go unnoticed, and his devotion to his faith was recognized by the Catholic Church. On 4 July 1968, Pope Paul VI proclaimed the decree of martyrdom, acknowledging Simon's heroic death for his faith. Furthermore, on 6 October 1968, Pope Paul VI beatified him, acknowledging his holiness and the sanctity of his life. Finally, on 6 May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint, recognizing his exemplary life and his enduring commitment to Christ. Although Saint Simonmariejust Ranfer De Bretenières does not have an officially recognized patronage, his life serves as an inspiration and a model of faithfulness and dedication to the Christian community.