China's 120 Martyrs

Chinese Marian Holiness

On 1 October 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 120 martyrs from China, including 87 Chinese and 33 foreign missionaries, in St. Peter's Square. This canonization was a historic event for the Church in China and a recognition of the witness of faith of those who gave their lives for Christ.

History of martyrs

China's 120 martyrs cover a period of almost three hundred years, from 1648 to 1930. Most were martyred during the Qing Dynasty persecutions, especially during the Boxers Rebellion (1900). They include priests, religious, religious and lay people of all ages and conditions.

The martyrs include San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint of Chinese origin, martyred in Japan in 1637; San Pablo Chen Changpin and his companions, martyred in China in 1861; and San Juan Gabriel Perboyre, a Lazarist missionary martyred in China in 1840.

Marian devotion of martyrs

The devotion to the Virgin Mary was a constant in the life and martyrdom of China's 120 martyrs. Many of them carried the Miracle Medal or rosary at the time of their death, and attributed their strength in martyrdom to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

St. John Gabriel Perboyre, a Lazarist missionary martyred in 1840, was a great devotee of the Miraculous Medal. At the time of his execution, he carried the medal with him and died praying the name of Jesus and Mary.

The 2000 canonization

The canonization of China's 120 martyrs was controversial. The Chinese government condemned the canonization, arguing that some of the martyrs had been accomplices to Western colonialism. However, the Catholic Church maintained that the martyrs were witnesses to the faith that they gave their lives for Christ and for the Church.

The canonization was held on 1 October 2000, coinciding with the 51st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This coincidence was seen by some as a provocative gesture, but the Church maintained that the date was chosen for liturgical reasons.

The martyrs today

Today, China's 120 martyrs are venerated by Catholics all over the world. His feast is held on July 9, and his example of fidelity to death continues to inspire Chinese Catholics in their perseverance in faith.