Saint Magdalena Son Sobyok

Biography

Saint Magdalena Son Sobyok, also known as Magdallena Son So-Byeok, was a married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. She is venerated as a martyr and is one of the numerous Martyrs of Korea who were persecuted for their Catholic faith during the 19th century. Magdalena Son Sobyok was born in Seoul, South Korea, in the year 1802. Not much is known about her early life, but she grew up in a time when Christianity was strictly forbidden in Korea. Despite the dangers, she embraced the Catholic faith and became a devoted follower of Christ. During this period, the Joseon Dynasty actively persecuted Christians, considering them a threat to the Confucian social order. Catholics were viewed as rebels who challenged the established government and were subjected to severe persecution, including torture and execution. Magdalena Son Sobyok remained steadfast in her faith, despite the risks it posed to her and her family. She was married, but her spouse did not share her religious convictions. Despite this, she continued to practice her faith in secret and even passed it on to her children. In 1839, a wave of persecution swept through Korea, targeting Catholic communities. The government launched an all-out effort to suppress the faith, resulting in the arrest, torture, and execution of many Catholics. Magdalena and her family were among those caught up in this persecution. On January 31, 1840, Magdalena Son Sobyok was apprehended by government officials and charged with being a Catholic. Refusing to renounce her faith, she was subjected to brutal torture, designed to make her abandon her beliefs. However, she endured these tortures with remarkable courage and never wavered in her commitment to Christ. Eventually, Magdalena was sentenced to death, and on that same day, she was beheaded in Dangkogae, which was then a public execution site in Seoul. She died as a martyr for her unwavering faith and devotion to God. Nearly a century later, on May 9, 1925, Pope Pius XI recognized the martyrdom of Magdalena Son Sobyok, along with numerous other Catholic martyrs in Korea. This official recognition opened the door for her beatification, which took place on July 5, 1925, again under Pope Pius XI. Finally, on May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized Magdalena Son Sobyok, declaring her a saint of the Catholic Church. Her martyrdom serves as a testament to the unwavering faith and courage exhibited by countless believers in Korea during a time of intense persecution. While Saint Magdalena Son Sobyok's specific patronage is not recorded, her life and sacrifice continue to inspire Christians around the world. Her willingness to suffer and ultimately give her life for her faith reminds us of the importance of staying true to our beliefs, even in the face of adversity. Saint Magdalena Son Sobyok stands as a shining example of Christian fidelity and endurance in the face of persecution.