0709 St Augustine Zhao Rong 1p LETTER 20250630St. Augustine Zhao Rong and his 119 companions were all martyred for trying to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.They knew that it was a dangerous place to be doing this, and had to take their faith underground throughout the centuries.The Good News of Jesus Christ is intended to benefit all peoples; and the martyrs knew that.John Paul II reminded a crowd of Chinese and Western Scholars one year after these saints were canonized that history reminds us of the unfortunate times in the church’s past when catechizing was not always easy.
St. Augustine Zhao Rong
Chinese Martyr and Witness of Unshakable Faith
Feast Day: July 9 Canonized: 2000 by St. John Paul II Group: One of the 120 Martyrs of China
1. Who He Is
St. Augustine Zhao Rong (1746–1815) is a heroic Chinese martyr who gave his life for Christ during a time of intense persecution. He stands as a powerful symbol of:
- Courage
- Conversion
- Fidelity to the Gospel
- The universality of the Church
His life shows how the Holy Spirit raises up saints in every culture and nation.
2. A Soldier Who Became a Disciple
Augustine Zhao Rong began life as a soldier in the imperial army. He was assigned to escort the captured French missionary Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse, who was later martyred.
Witnessing the bishop’s serenity, charity, and courage deeply moved Zhao Rong. Grace touched his heart.
He soon asked for baptism, entered the Church, and eventually became a priest — a remarkable journey from soldier to shepherd.
3. Priesthood in a Time of Persecution
As a priest, Fr. Zhao Rong served the faithful with:
- Gentleness
- Zeal
- Deep pastoral love
- A willingness to risk his life for the sacraments
He ministered during the Qing Dynasty persecutions, when Christianity was outlawed and priests were hunted.
4. Martyrdom
In 1815, Fr. Augustine Zhao Rong was arrested for his priestly ministry. He endured:
- Harsh interrogations
- Torture
- Imprisonment
He remained steadfast in faith until his death in prison. His final witness proclaimed Christ more powerfully than any sermon.
5. Part of a Great Cloud of Witnesses
St. Augustine Zhao Rong is canonized together with 120 Chinese martyrs — bishops, priests, religious, lay men, women, and children — who died between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Their collective witness shows:
- The deep roots of Christianity in China
- The courage of ordinary believers
- The universality of the Catholic faith
6. Patronage and Significance
St. Augustine Zhao Rong is a patron for:
- Chinese Catholics
- Converts
- Priests facing persecution
- Those who struggle with courage or fear
- The global Church’s mission in Asia
Saint Augustine Zhao Rong – Chinese Martyr – 9th July
“I am willing to accept all kinds of punishments, but the one thing I cannot do is abandon my Lord Jesus Christ.”
“As you gave Augustine Zhao Rong… the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you.”
“They were led like innocent lambs to the slaughter.”
“Unless a grain of wheat falls… and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/NBNPbGv47TEPrayer to Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions
O righteous band of martyrs united by faith in Christ and His Church in a nation of religious oppression: children and grandparents, workers and teachers, lay and ordained, native and foreign-born, all as one as you gave your lives, led by your convictions.
Pray the Word of the Lord comes to a land so cold to conversion, to the love and worship of Jesus, all men’s Saviour. Pray the Holy Spirit fall like purging and redeeming fire upon every soul in the country where you so honourably died; pray His power spreads and bring renewal upon the face of all the earth.
Amen
COLLECT PRAYER
All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave Augustine Zhao Rong and the martyrs of China the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen
For the Chinese Martyrs of Communism
Prayer
O God, who in your wonderful providence have strengthened your Church through the confession of the Martyrs Saint Augustine Zhao and companions, grant that your people, faithful to the mission entrusted to it, may enjoy ever greater freedom and witness to the truth before the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the HOly Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
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