Saint Agatha Kwon Chini

Biography

Saint Agatha Kwon Chini, also known as Agata Gweon Jim-I, was a married lay woman and one of the Martyrs of Korea. She was born in 1820 in Seoul, South Korea, during a turbulent period in Korean history when Catholics were persecuted for their faith. Agatha Kwon Chini lived a devout and pious life, despite the difficulties faced by Catholics in her country. She was deeply committed to her faith and took great risks to practice and defend it. Along with her husband, she actively participated in the growth of the Catholic community in Seoul, where a small but fervent group of believers existed. During the reign of King Heojong, who fiercely opposed Christianity, Agatha and her husband were reportedly betrayed by a close acquaintance who revealed their Catholic faith to the authorities. This led to their arrest and subsequent imprisonment. While incarcerated, Agatha Kwon Chini was offered her freedom if she renounced her Catholicism. However, she steadfastly refused to deny her faith, even in the face of severe torture and persecution. Her unwavering commitment to Christ and the Catholic Church became a source of inspiration for fellow prisoners. On 31 January 1840, Agatha Kwon Chini, along with other Catholic prisoners, was eventually martyred for her unwavering commitment to Christ. They were beheaded in Dangkogae, Seoul, South Korea. Their courageous witness to the Catholic faith left a lasting impact on the Korean Catholic community, actively contributing to the growth of Christianity in Korea. The undying faith and martyrdom of Agatha Kwon Chini did not go unnoticed by the Catholic Church. On 9 May 1925, Pope Pius XI officially recognized her martyrdom and declared her venerable. This was followed by her beatification on 5 July 1925, during the same pontificate, in recognition of her heroic virtue and sacrifice. Finally, on 6 May 1984, Agatha Kwon Chini was canonized by Pope John Paul II, thus officially declaring her a saint of the Catholic Church. Through her canonization, the Church acknowledges her holiness, martyrdom, and the exemplary life she lived in service of God and the Catholic faith. As a canonized saint, Saint Agatha Kwon Chini stands as a shining example of faith, courage, and devotion, inspiring Catholics around the world to live their faith fearlessly and stand firm in their beliefs, even in the face of persecution. Though little is known about her specific patronage, she undoubtedly intercedes for all those who face persecution for their faith, particularly in Korea. Her feast days are celebrated on 31 January and 20 September, the latter being recognized as one of the Martyrs of Korea. Saint Agatha Kwon Chini continues to be venerated and remembered for her strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.