Saint of the day, July 9
Though they lived in different centuries, the 120 martyrs were united by their faithful witness to Christ.
July 9: 120 Martyrs of China
Died: 1648–1930
Nationality: Chinese and missionary martyrs
Vocation: Priests, religious, and lay faithful
Canonization: October 1, 2000, by Pope St. John Paul II
The 120 Martyrs of China bear witness to the extraordinary courage that flows from a deep faith in Christ. Though they came from different backgrounds and lived across nearly three centuries, they were united by their steadfast love for the Lord and their willingness to remain faithful even in the face of persecution.
The 120 martyrs canonized by Pope St. John Paul II included priests, religious, and lay faithful—men, women, and children. Eighty-seven were Chinese Catholics, while the others were missionaries who had traveled to share the Gospel. Together, they gave their lives for Christ between 1648 and 1930.
Among them was 14-year-old Ann Wang, who courageously proclaimed the name of Jesus before her death during the Boxer Rebellion. Another was the young catechumen Chi Zhuzi, who refused to renounce his faith despite intense suffering. Their witness reflects the courage shared by all 120 martyrs, whose lives became a testament to the power of God's grace.
In his canonization homily, Pope St. John Paul II said they sealed their "unfailing fidelity to Christ and the Church with the gift of their lives." Their witness reminds us that true faith is not measured by comfort or circumstance, but by our willingness to remain faithful to Christ each day.
120 Martyrs of China, pray for us!
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