Chinese Martyrs

This feast day honors 120 martyrs who were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. They died between 1648 and 1930. Many were killed during the Boxer Rebellion from 1899 to 1901. This uprising resulted in much violence against foreign and Christian influences in China.

This is a very diverse group of martyrs and include men, women and children. The martyrs were clergy, members of religious orders, and lay people. Some were native Chinese and others were missionaries. They sought to spread the Catholic faith in China despite the risks. Their feast day is July 9 and they are the patron saints of China.

Let’s go, we are going to heaven today!

"As soon as he heard the order, he said to my fifteen-year-old father and my uncle, Let’s go. We are going to heaven today!" - Fr, Francis Li, grandson of a Chinese martyr

Make an Origami Dove

Pentecost is right around the corner. Since the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, making origami doves can be a fun craft for kids on this holy day.