Biography
Theresa Yi Mae-im
About Theresa Yi Mae-im
Theresa Yi Mae-im became a widow while young and returned to her family at Bongcheon. A Catholic woman living nearby introduced her to Christianity. Theresa then taught her sister-in-law Magdalena Heo Gye-im and her nieces Barbara Yi Chong-hui and Magdalena Yi Yong-hui.
She established a separate household at Bongcheon. Her nieces stayed with her before later moving to Seoul, where the priest Pacificus Yu helped them obtain a small house. Theresa and Magdalena Heo visited Seoul to receive the sacraments and stayed with the nieces.
During the persecution of 1839, Theresa presented herself to the authorities with other Catholic women.
The women endured punishment at the police station and were transferred to the criminal court. Theresa was executed outside Seoul’s Small West Gate on July 20, 1839.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.