Agatha Lin
Agatha Lin was a Chinese saint and martyr, born in 1817 in Guizhou province. She served as a headmistress and catechist, notably among the Miao people, and was beheaded for her faith in 1858. Beatified in 1909 and canonized in 2000, she is remembered for her missionary work and ultimate sacrifice.
- Feast Day
- February 18
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- China
Key Facts
- ›Agatha Lin was born Lin Zhao in the Qinglong district of Guizhou in 1817.
- ›Her parents were fervent Christians converted by Joseph Zhang Dapeng.
- ›She was a headmistress and catechist, evangelizing the Miao people.
- ›Agatha Lin was beheaded for her faith on January 28, 1858.
- ›She was beatified by Pope Pius X on may 2, 1909, and canonized in 2000.
- ›Her feast day is February 18.
Lin Zhao
About Agatha Lin
Agatha Lin, born Lin Zhao in 1817 in the Qinglong district of Guizhou province, southwest China, is recognized as a Chinese saint and martyr. Her life was marked by profound faith and dedication to spreading Christianity, particularly among the Miao people.
Early Life and Vocation
Born to parents who were fervent Christians converted by Joseph Zhang Dapeng, Agatha was baptized shortly after birth. Her parents instilled in her a strong religious foundation, teaching her to read and write and training her in needlework. As a young woman, Agatha took a private vow of virginity. Although betrothed in childhood, her parents annulled the marriage when she was eighteen, recognizing her consecration of life to God. Following the advice of a priest, Matthew Liu, she studied at a school for girls in Guiyang, though the school was later forced to close due to persecution.
Religious Work and Ministry
At the age of 25, Agatha made her vows. After her father's death, she and her mother moved to Zhenning, where she actively converted people to Christianity. She later moved to Guiyang to direct a formation house for consecrated virgins under Bishop Etienne Albrand. Using funds inherited from her father, she established a chapel and school near Xinggi. Under the guidance of Father Paul Perny, she moved to Maokou, a Miao village, to teach women, becoming a pioneer in evangelizing the Miao people. Her efforts bore fruit, with her pupils being baptized after two years of instruction.
Martyrdom and Canonization
In 1858, the village where Agatha resided was raided, and she was arrested alongside another catechist, Jerome Lu Tingmei, after being denounced as Christians. Both were condemned to death and beheaded on January 28, 1858, along with Laurence Wang Bing. Agatha Lin was beatified by Pope Pius X on May 2, 1909, and subsequently canonized in 2000. Her feast day is observed on February 18. The Episcopal Church in the United States of America also honors her with a Lesser Feast on February 19, alongside Agnes Tsao Kou Ying and Lucy Yi Zhenmei.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Agatha Lin born?
Agatha Lin, born Lin Zhao, was born in the village of Machang in the Qinglong district of Guizhou province, China, in 1817.
What was Agatha Lin's role in the Christian community?
She was a headmistress and catechist. She also took a private vow of virginity and later became the director of a house of formation for consecrated virgins. She was one of the first to evangelize the Miao people.
How did Agatha Lin die?
Agatha Lin was arrested in 1858 when the village where she was living was raided. She was condemned to death for her faith and was beheaded on January 28, 1858.
When was Agatha Lin recognized as a saint?
Agatha Lin was beatified by Pope Pius X on May 2, 1909, and was canonized in 2000.
What is Agatha Lin's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on February 18.
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