Saint Magdalene Kim Ŏb-i

Saint Magdalene Kim Ŏb-i (1774–May 24, 1839) was a Korean martyr and a saint of the Catholic Church. Magdalene Kim Ŏb-i was a Catholic from childhood. She wished to remain unmarried and dedicate her life to God, but her non-Catholic parents forced her into marriage. Her new family turned out to be Catholic, though she soon lost both her husband and children. Seeking to participate more actively in the life of the Church, she taught religion to her neighbors. She had a pleasant demeanor, and many people listened to her with interest. During this time, the persecution of Catholics began. Magdalene Kim Ŏb-i resolved to sacrifice her life for the Church if necessary. She was arrested alongside Barbara Han A-gi in September 1836. After spending three years in prison, she was beheaded on May 24, 1839, at the execution site outside the Small West Gate in Seoul, as part of a group of six women and three men (including Anna Pak A-gi, Agatha Yi So-sa, Agatha Kim A-gi, Augustine Yi Kwang-hŏn, Barbara Han A-gi, Lucy Pak Hŭi-sun, Damian Nam Myŏng-hyŏg, and Peter Kwŏn Tŭg-in). Her memorial day is September 20, as part of the group of 103 Korean Martyrs. She was beatified on July 5, 1925, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 6, 1984, by Pope John Paul II as one of the 103 Korean Martyrs.