Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-I
Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-i (Korean: 이경이 아가타; born c. 1814; died May 24, 1839) was a Korean Catholic laywoman and martyr executed during the Gihae Persecution of 1839 — one of the most intense waves of anti-Christian violence in Korean history. She is one of the 103 Korean Martyrs, canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 6, 1984, during his historic first visit to Korea. Her feast day is September 20.
The Gihae Persecution (己亥迫害) of 1839 was a systematic campaign of violence against Korean Catholics. Three French missionary priests (Bishops Imbert, Maubant, and Chastan) and dozens of Korean laypersons were martyred. Agatha Yi Kyong-i was among the laywomen who were executed for their Catholic faith, refusing to apostatize and accepting death as a witness to the Gospel.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-I
| Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-I | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | September 20 |
| Profession | Catholic laywoman |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church |
| Patronage | Korea; Korean Catholics; martyrs |
| Attributes | Palm branch of martyrdom; traditional Korean dress (hanbok) |
| Birthplace | Joseon Dynasty Korea (present-day South Korea) |
| Death Place | Seoul (Hanyang), Joseon Dynasty Korea (present-day South Korea) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom — beheaded during the Gihae Persecution of 1839 |
| Primary Shrine | Jeoldusan Martyrs Shrine, Seoul |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Korean Martyrs; South Korea) |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Birth
Agatha Yi Kyong-i was born around 1814 in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. She was baptized Catholic and received the name Agatha.
Early Life
She lived as a Catholic laywoman in the Joseon Dynasty, practicing her faith in the underground Catholic community of Korea.
Occupation
Agatha Yi Kyong-i was a Catholic laywoman of the Joseon Dynasty.
Vocation
Her vocation was that of a lay Catholic woman whose faith endured to martyrdom.
Death
Agatha Yi Kyong-i was arrested during the Gihae Persecution and beheaded on May 24, 1839, in Seoul.
Significant events
- Born c. 1814 in Joseon Dynasty Korea.
- Arrested during the Gihae Persecution of 1839.
- Beheaded May 24, 1839 in Seoul.
- Beatified October 6, 1968 by Pope Paul VI.
- Canonized May 6, 1984 by Pope John Paul II in Seoul.
- Feast day: September 20.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Joseon Dynasty Korea (present-day South Korea)
Death location: Seoul (Hanyang), Joseon Dynasty Korea (present-day South Korea)
Notable location: Site of her martyrdom (Seoul, South Korea)
Notable location: Principal shrine of the Korean Martyrs (Korean Martyrs Shrine, Jeoldusan (Beheading Hill), Seoul, South Korea)
Notable location:
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-i have been added to the database yet.
Media
No media found for this saint.
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
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No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
List of shrines
- Jeoldusan Martyrs Shrine, Seoul, South Korea.
Canonization
Servant of God
Cause introduced in the twentieth century.
Venerable
Declared Venerable before beatification.
Beatification
Beatified October 6, 1968 by Pope Paul VI.
Canonization
Canonized May 6, 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Yeouido Square, Seoul.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Miracles approved for the beatification in 1968.
Miracle for canonization
Miracles approved for the canonization in 1984.
Patronage
Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-i is venerated as a patron martyr of Korea.
Feast day
September 20
Veneration
Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-i is venerated throughout South Korea and in the worldwide Catholic Church as one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
External links
References
- Dallet, Charles. Histoire de l'Église de Corée. Paris, 1874.
- Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 1984 (canonization decree).