가톨릭 목포 성지(Catholic Mokpo Shrine) is the birthplace of theCatholic faith in the 광주대교구(Archdiocese of Gwangju) andthe cradle of its early diocesan community. In 1953, together with 경동 성당(Gyeongdong Church), it introduced the Legion of Mary to the Korean Church forthe first time. It also stands on the site of the first diocesan office thatmarked the beginning of the local Church.

The parish was established in 1897 by 뮈텔 주교(Bishop Gustave Mutel), the 8th Vicar Apostolic of the Joseon Diocese, togetherwith 나바위 성당(Nabawi Church). During the Korean War in 1950,the 4th Bishop of the Archdiocese of Gwangju, 안 파트리치오 몬시뇰(Msgr. Patrick Byrne), along with 산정동성당(Sanjeong-dong Church) pastor 토머스 쿠삭 신부(Father Thomas Cusack) and assistant priest 존 오브라이언 신부(Father John O’Brien), were abducted by North Korean forces and executed inDaejeon while being taken north. This parish honors their pastoral legacy.

Inside the sanctuary, the altar holds a relic ofthe Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was nailed for the salvation of humanity.On the pillars beside the altar are the relics of 성녀 데레사(St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus) and her parents, 성 루이 마르탱(St. Louis Martin) and 성녀 마리아 젤리 마르탱(St. Marie Zélie Martin). On May 10, 2021, thechurch received the dignity and title of a Minor Basilica from the Dicasteryfor Divine Worship. Pilgrims who visit on designated days and fulfill the usualconditions may obtain a plenary indulgence.