5 /5 Xavier K: St. Agnes Catholic Church (성 아그네스 성당) holds a special place in my heart, as it has been my spiritual home since 1979, until I relocated to Orange County in the mid-90s. This church played a pivotal role in my formative years, shaping my faith journey during high school and even throughout college summers. Upon returning from college, I actively participated in the young adult group, engaging in fellowship and various enriching activities. It was here that I became involved in the Legion of Mary, where I met my wife and spent nearly a decade serving. St. Agnes also holds significant milestones in my personal life, including my sacrament of matrimony and the baptism of my first son.
Today, as I arrange a funeral mass for my father, who passed away yesterday on Divine Mercy Sunday, I am reminded of the profound history and community at St. Agnes. This church served as the foundation for the establishment of St. Agnes Korean Catholic Church, which boasts over half a century of history in Southern California. Over the years, our connection to St. Agnes has deepened, as we purchased a house adjacent to the church and developed it into a small church. Now, we have expanded further by acquiring two additional houses to create an Ignatius Cafe, patio, and Youth Minister Center.
My memories of St. Agnes are filled with cherished moments spent with friends, and the aroma of coffee from the baristas at St. Ignatius Cafe always brings a sense of comfort. I am deeply grateful to all the priests, pioneers, catechists, and longstanding members, including the late Fr. Lawrence Lee, who have shaped the legacy of St. Agnes. They are not just heroes, but my brothers and sisters in Christ, and their dedication continues to inspire me.