Louis Beaulieu was a French Catholic priest and missionary belonging to the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Born in Langon in 1840, he was ordained in May 1864 before traveling to Korea later that year to begin his religious work. His mission was conducted under extremely hazardous conditions, as the region where he served strictly forbade foreign preachers. After attempting to hide in the mountains to evade authorities, he was captured and executed by decapitation in March 1866.
Life and death
Following his ordination, Beaulieu arrived in Korea in July 1864. He faced significant challenges because the local district prohibited foreign religious presence. To continue his work, he spent time hiding in mountainous areas. However, he was eventually arrested by the authorities. He was sentenced and died by decapitation on March 8, 1866, becoming one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes Beaulieu as a saint. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1968 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. He is commemorated as a martyr, with his feast day observed annually on September 20.