Controversy Over "10 Million Won for Father Kim Dae-geon’s Relics" Sale Post... Catholic Church Confirms Theft

Father Kim Dae-geon

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] The discovery that the remains of Father Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean priest and saint, have been stolen has brought the issue of managing the relics of Catholic saints into the spotlight.

The controversy began in March when an advertisement appeared on an online marketplace site offering to sell Father Kim Dae-geon's relics for 10 million won.

A post selling the relics of 'Saint Kim Dae-geon'. [Screenshot from Bungaejangter]

According to an investigation by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul on the 9th, it was confirmed that the relics of Saint Kim Dae-geon were stolen while being displayed at a certain parish in 1983. It is a long-standing tradition in Catholicism to divide and venerate the relics of saints. Relics refer to the body or parts of a saint or blessed person, clothing, tools used during martyrdom, or other objects that have come into direct contact with the relics.

The Archdiocese of Seoul explained, "Since the 4th century, the Catholic Church has celebrated Mass at the tombs of martyrs, and by the 7th to 8th centuries, the division and enshrinement of saintly relics were permitted. In the Eastern Church, the veneration of saintly relics was officially authorized at the Council of Constantinople in 1084 and continues to this day."

However, the buying and selling of relics is strictly prohibited (Canon Law Article 1190, Paragraph 1). Transfer or relocation without the permission of the diocesan bishop is practically impossible.

Domestically, during the preparation for the canonization of 103 martyrs in 1983, relics were widely distributed. There are 103 parishes within the Archdiocese of Seoul that enshrine Catholic saint relics. Among them, 85 parishes house the relics of Father Kim Dae-geon. Documents bearing the names of the recipients of the relics also exist. However, personal information is incomplete, making verification difficult. Most of the original recipients have passed away, making it hard to collect testimonies. Thus, the possibility of loss or theft remains.

The Archdiocese of Seoul stated, "Since many parishes have lost their relic certificates, we plan to reissue certificates after a verification process," and added, "After the reporting period (ending this September), relics without a diocesan certificate will be announced as not recognized as the relics of Saint Father Kim Dae-geon under Canon Law."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.