Saint Vincent Kaun

Saint Vincent Kaun Celebrating on June 20th

Blessed Vincentius Kaun (also known as Vincent Kaun) was born around 1579 into a noble Korean family. During the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century, he was captured and taken to Japan as a prisoner of war. There, he encountered the Jesuits, who educated him, leading to his baptism at the age of 13. He later joined the Society of Jesus and became a dedicated catechist, working tirelessly in Japan and China to spread the Christian faith. Despite the intense persecution of Christians in Japan during the early 17th century, Vincentius remained steadfast in his mission. He was eventually arrested and, on June 20, 1626, was burned alive in Nagasaki alongside Blessed Francisco Pacheco and other Christians who refused to renounce their faith. His ashes were thrown into the sea, and no relics remain. Pope Pius IX beatified him on May 7, 1867 In the professional realm, Blessed Vincentius Kaun’s life offers profound lessons. His unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of persecution, challenges us to consider our own convictions and the extent to which we uphold them in our daily work. His dedication to education and catechesis underscores the importance of mentorship and knowledge-sharing in professional settings. Moreover, his resilience and adaptability—learning new languages and cultures to fulfill his mission—highlight the value of continuous learning and cultural sensitivity in today’s globalized workplace. Vincentius’s life reminds us that true leadership and impact stem from steadfast principles, humility, and a commitment to serving others, even amidst adversity.