Biography
Maria Yi Yon-hui
About Maria Yi Yon-hui
Maria Yi Yon-hui was married to Damian Nam Myong-hyok. They became Catholics as adults. After Damian became a catechist, Maria helped him maintain a place where Catholics gathered for worship. She assisted visiting priests and taught women preparing to receive the sacraments.
The bishops’ conference account records her hospitality to Bishop Imbert and missionaries while their presence in Korea was dangerous.
Maria was arrested with her family in April 1839. The encyclopedia describes authorities using punishment inflicted on her son to pressure her.
She endured severe punishment without abandoning her religion. Maria was executed outside Seoul’s Small West Gate on September 3, 1839, with five other Catholics.
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