Korean laywoman who kept the faith in the persecution of 1839 and was martyred on July 20, 1839.
Life
Magdalena Yi Yong-hui was born in 1809. Resolving to keep her virginity and give herself entirely to God, she is said to have avoided a marriage being pressed upon her by going to stay with relatives in Seoul, where she continued her life of faith.
Her mother, Magdalena Ho Kye-im, and her elder sister, Barbara Yi Chong-hui, were also devout Catholics. In the persecution of 1839 she gave herself up to the authorities as a Catholic together with her mother, her sister and other believers; she kept the faith under torture and was beheaded outside the Small West Gate on July 20, 1839. Her sister and mother followed her in martyrdom that September.
Spirituality
The spirituality of Magdalena Yi Yong-hui is complete self-offering. She chose to give herself to God rather than follow the world's expectations. The faith she shared with her mother and sister shows that an entire family can belong to the Lord.
Reflection
Magdalena Yi Yong-hui chose to give herself to God rather than follow the world's expectations. Between what others think and the Lord's call, which do I follow? Today, could I quietly ask the Lord what He wants of me?