Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지)

Overview

Mirinae Holy Site in Anseong is the final resting place of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic saint, along with his mother Ursula, Bishop Ferréol—the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim—and Vincentius Lee Minsik, who buried Saint Kim’s body. The name ‘Mirinae,’ meaning ‘Milky Way’ in Korean, adds a celestial significance to the site. Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, who was martyred at the age of 26, was buried here 40 days after his execution. Sanctification efforts began in earnest in 1972 and have since resulted in the establishment of a memorial church, a statue of Saint Kim, and a serene garden for reflection.