Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China’s relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly.
The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and 1930. Most of them (87) were born in China and were children, parents, catechists or laborers, ranging from nine years of age to 72. This group includes four Chinese diocesan priests.
The 33 foreign-born martyrs were mostly priests or women religious, especially from the Order of Preachers, the Paris Foreign Mission Society, the Friars Minor, Jesuits, Salesians and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese solider who accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse (Paris Foreign Mission Society) to his martyrdom in Beijing. Augustine was baptized and not long after was ordained as a diocesan priest. He was martyred in 1815.
Beatified in groups at various times, these 120 martyrs were canonized in Rome on October 1, 2000.
Abba, we praise You and thank You for the gifts of martyrs. Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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THANK YOU GOD FOR SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG _ I PRAY THAT CHINA WILL RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR _ I PRAY FOR ALL OF THE MARTYRS THEN AND NOW WHO ARE KILLED IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST _ GOD GO WITH THEM ALL> AMEN!
`We pray for all ye Holy Martyrs and all those who being killed today’s for the Love of Jesus Christ
St. Augustine Zhao Rong, pray for the Church.
We pray for religious persecution to end in China and that diplomatic ties with Vatican be set up soon.
Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, pray for us!
St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, help us to live as true Christians.