Today is
#July9th and the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Sts. Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese diocesan priest, and his 119 companions, all martyrs in China between 1648 and 1930. They were canonized together by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 2000.
Christianity first arrived in China in the 6th century, but faced waves of persecution over the centuries. The 87 Chinese-born and 33 foreign-born martyrs in this diverse group included children, parents, catechists, laborers, and priests. The youngest was 9 years old and the oldest 79. Many were offered freedom if they renounced their faith, but refused.
As the first Chinese-born diocesan priest and martyr, St. Augustine Zhao Rong's story is representative. As a soldier, he was deeply moved while escorting a bishop to his martyrdom. Augustine listened to his teachings, converted, and became a priest himself. In 1815, he too gave his life for his faith after cruel torture, praying, "Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am Christian."
There are an estimated 10-12 million Catholics in China today, about 1% of the population. The number is difficult to determine exactly, as many Catholics worship in unofficial "underground" churches to avoid government persecution and control. The Vatican and Chinese government have had a contentious relationship, but have made efforts in recent years to improve ties. The Chinese Martyrs' heroic witness planted the seeds for the growth of the Catholic Church in China, despite continuing restrictions.
Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, you gave your lives for the love of Christ, taking great risk to share the Good News. Your deaths planted seeds of faith that have grown in the hearts of many. Please
#prayforus, and also for the people of China.
#July9 #StsAugustineZhaoRong #ChineseMartyrs #CatholicSaints #Martyrs #SeedsOfFaith #PrayForChina