Have you heard about Blessed Gabriele Allegra, the Franciscan friar who completed the first-ever Catholic Bible translation into Chinese? His story is uniquely inspiring, echoing through centuries of missionary zeal!
Allegra’s life took a remarkable turn in 1928 when, at just 21, he attended the celebrations honoring the 6th centenary of another Franciscan—John of Montecorvino. Montecorvino, a contemporary of Marco Polo, had attempted the ambitious task of translating the Bible in Beijing during the 14th century.
Inspired by Montecorvino’s missionary spirit, Allegra vowed to accomplish what his predecessor could not. And the task ahead was monumental: translating Scripture into Chinese, a language he hadn’t yet learned.
Pope Pius XII, deeply aware of Allegra’s challenging mission, personally offered his encouragement, saying, “Tell this young priest that he has my special blessing and that I will pray for him every day.”
The Pope prophetically acknowledged Allegra’s future trials, yet confidently reassured him: “Nothing is impossible for him who prays, wills, and studies.”
Indeed, the Pope’s words proved true. Despite wars, lost manuscripts and tremendous hardship, Allegra persevered, dedicating 40 arduous years to his task.
Though Pius XII passed before seeing the finished translation, his promise endured: “I shall pray for him in heaven.” Allegra finally published the completed Chinese Bible in 1968, a testament to both his perseverance and divine grace.
The legacy of John of Montecorvino, the heavenly prayers of Pope St. Pius XII and the faithful commitment of Blessed Allegra reveal a beautiful continuity of God’s missionary love.
Blessed Gabriele Allegra, pray for us! 🙏✨
Photo credit: Effems, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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