Magdalene Cho was a 19th-century Korean Catholic laywoman from Seoul who is recognized as a martyr. Born around 1807, she was known for her deep devotion and her decision to remain a virgin to serve God. After working as a servant to support her family, she returned to her mother's home to assist the local Catholic community. She spent her later years teaching catechumens, caring for the sick, and performing baptisms. Her commitment to her faith eventually led to her arrest and execution during a period of persecution.
Life and death
The daughter of Catherine Yi, Magdalene was noted for her piety and her refusal to marry, which led her to live as a servant. She later dedicated herself to service within her religious community, often undertaking the most difficult tasks. Following her arrest in 1839, she endured severe torture alongside her mother. After suffering from illness for two months, she was beheaded in September 1839.
Veneration
She was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Later, in May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized her in Seoul alongside other Korean martyrs. The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day on September 20, which is the common date for the Korean martyrs, and also on September 26.