History & Biographies

St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions: The Martyrs of China

Martyrs 
•Feast day: July 9 
•1648-1930 

The history of Christianity in China is marked by both heroic witness and brutal persecution. Among the most revered figures in this history are St. Augustine Zhao Rong and his 119 companions, collectively known as the Martyrs of China. Their sacrifices, spanning nearly three centuries, are a testament to their unwavering faith and courage in the face of relentless oppression.

Early Persecutions and the Protomartyr of China

The wave of martyrdom began with the protomartyr of China, Father Francisco Fernandez de Capillas, a Dominican priest. Captured and beheaded in 1648, his death marked the start of a long and arduous journey for Christians in China. By 1650, the number of Christians who had been martyred continued to grow, drawing attention to the plight of those who sought to spread and uphold the Christian faith in a hostile environment.

The 1724 Ban on Christianity

In 1724, Christianity was officially banned in China under pain of death. Many Catholics and missionaries were forced to flee the country, seeking refuge in foreign lands. However, a significant number chose to remain, continuing their ministry in secret. Those who were caught faced execution, a fate that many bravely accepted for the sake of their faith.

Renewed Persecutions in the 19th Century

After a brief period of tolerance, persecution resumed with increased violence in 1805. One of the most prominent martyrs of this era was St. Augustine Zhao Rong. Originally a soldier, Zhao Rong was profoundly moved by the heroic deaths of the martyrs he witnessed, particularly that of Bishop Dufresse, whom he had escorted to Beijing. This experience led to his conversion to the Catholic faith and his eventual ordination as a priest.

In 1815, St. Augustine Zhao Rong was arrested, subjected to brutal torture, and ultimately strangled to death. His unwavering faith and courage in the face of such torment made him a beacon of hope for many Christians in China.

Abolition of Anti-Christian Laws and Continued Distrust

The anti-Christian laws were finally abolished in 1846. However, a deep-seated distrust of Christian missionaries persisted among the Chinese people, largely due to the association of these missionaries with foreign imperialistic nations. Many missionaries also struggled to inculturate the Gospel within the Chinese tradition, further complicating their efforts to spread Christianity.

The Boxer Rebellion and the 20th Century Persecutions

The dawn of the 20th century saw a new wave of persecution, particularly during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Thousands of Christians were martyred during this tumultuous period, including the 119 martyrs who were executed in 1930 at Li-Thau-Tseul.

The Communist Regime and Modern-Day Persecution

The rise of the communist regime in 1949 marked a new chapter of persecution for Christians in China, which continues to this day. Christianity remains legally outlawed, and those who practice their faith do so under constant threat of persecution.

Canonization and Legacy

In the year 2000, St. Augustine Zhao Rong and his 119 companions were collectively canonized by the Catholic Church, honoring their extraordinary sacrifices and unwavering faith. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the impact of faith in the face of adversity.

The story of St. Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. Their lives and deaths continue to inspire Christians around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of persecution.