The present first edition of Bishop Alexandre de Gouveia’s original Latin letter,
accompanied by a parallel Portuguese translation, was printed in Lisbon in
1808. It is one of the most vital primary sources documenting the introduction
and early growth of Catholicism in Korea, covering the years from 1784 to 1797.
The content includes accounts based on eyewitness reports, conversations, and
records from early Korean Christians, along with detailed observations from the
first missionaries who operated in secret within the capital, Seoul.
In addition to the letter, the work features an extensive preface by the translator, offering one of the earliest Western perspectives on Korea’s political structure and cultural practices at the time.
Franciscan Bishop Alexandre de Gouveia, born in 1751,
journeyed to China in 1783 after his appointment as Bishop of Peking. In Macau,
he reopened the St. Joseph Seminary, and upon his arrival in Peking in 1785, he
faced challenges, including conflicts among Catholic missionaries and periodic
persecutions of Chinese Christians. In
addition to his role in China, Bishop Gouveia played a significant part in the
early development of Catholicism in Korea during a time of severe
persecution. Gouveia's
legacy not only highlights the significant challenges faced by missionaries in
regions suspicious of Christianity, but also emphasizes the enduring dedication
of the Franciscan Order to global evangelization, continuing to spread the
faith despite adversity. He died in 1808.