Agatha Kwon Chin-i
Agatha Kwon Chin-i was a Korean Catholic convert and martyr, born in 1820. She is remembered for her steadfast faith and refusal to renounce Catholicism despite severe torture, leading to her execution in 1840. She is one of the 103 Korean Martyrs canonized by the Catholic Church.
- Feast Day
- January 31
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Korea
Key Facts
- ›She was born in 1820 to St. Magdalene Han Yong-I, who was also martyred.
- ›Agatha was married at a young age but had her marriage annulled so she could remain a virgin.
- ›She was arrested at age 21 and escaped with the help of guards, but was recaptured after a servant girl revealed their hiding place.
- ›She endured severe tortures for her faith.
- ›Agatha was beheaded on January 31, 1840, in Danggogae, Seoul.
- ›She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 as one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.
아가타 권진이, 權珍伊
About Agatha Kwon Chin-i
Agatha Kwon Chin-i (1820–1840) is a Korean Catholic saint and one of the 103 Korean Martyrs. Her life, though brief, is a testament to profound faith and unwavering commitment in the face of severe persecution.
Life and Martyrdom
Born in 1820 to a government official and St. Magdalene Han Yong-i, Agatha was married at a young age. However, due to her husband's poverty, she lived with relatives. She later worked as a housekeeper for Chinese priest Yu Pang-che Pacificus, during which time she requested an annulment of her marriage to remain a virgin. After Yu returned to China, Agatha felt repentance and resolved to offer herself as a martyr.
At the age of 21, Agatha was arrested along with her mother and two other Catholic women. Despite being placed under house arrest and threatened by an apostate, she and her companions managed to escape with the help of sympathetic guards. This escape led to their re-arrest and punishment for the guards who aided them.
Agatha endured "many severe tortures" and refused to renounce her faith. She was brutally beaten on her legs in court and visited her mother one last time before her mother's execution. Agatha was beheaded on January 31, 1840, in Danggogae, now part of Seoul, along with five other Catholics. This execution occurred during the "infamous 1839–1840 Gihae Persecution."
Legacy
Agatha Kwon Chin-i, along with nine other Danggogae martyrs, was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. She is venerated within the Catholic Church as a symbol of Christian fortitude during times of intense religious persecution in Korea. A shrine dedicated to the martyrs at Danggogae honors her and many other saints.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Agatha Kwon Chin-i?
Agatha Kwon Chin-i was a Korean Catholic convert and martyr who lived from 1820 to 1840. She is recognized as one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.
When was Agatha Kwon Chin-i martyred?
Agatha Kwon Chin-i was beheaded on January 31, 1840, in Danggogae, which is now part of the Yongsan district of Seoul.
Why is Agatha Kwon Chin-i remembered?
She is remembered for her steadfast refusal to deny her faith despite enduring severe tortures during the Gihae Persecution. She is venerated for her martyrdom.
What was Agatha Kwon Chin-i's background?
Born in 1820, she was the daughter of St. Magdalene Han Yong-i. Agatha was married young but had her marriage annulled to dedicate herself to God. She also worked as a housekeeper for a Chinese priest.
Was Agatha Kwon Chin-i canonized?
Yes, Agatha Kwon Chin-i was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 along with 102 other Korean martyrs and French missionaries.
Related Saints
Agatha Yi Kyong-i
Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-i was a Korean Catholic martyr who lived from 1814 to 1840. She is remembered for her unwavering faith during severe persecution, her efforts to convert her family, and her ultimate sacrifice for her beliefs. She was canonized in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Andrew Kim Taegon
Andrew Kim Taegon was the first Korean Catholic priest and is the patron saint of Korean clergy. He was martyred for his faith in 1846 during a period of persecution in Korea. He is remembered for his dedication to his religion and his ultimate sacrifice.
Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy
Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy was a French missionary and bishop who served in Korea. He is remembered as a scholar of the Korean language and a martyr for his faith, canonized as one of the 103 Korean martyrs.