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July 9: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and 119 Companions, Martyrs—Optional Memorial

1648–1930
Invoked for the people of China
Canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 2000
Liturgical Color: Red

Quote:
Today the Church is grateful to her Lord, who blesses her and bathes her in light with the radiant holiness of these sons and daughters of China. Is not the Holy Year the most appropriate moment to make their heroic witness shine resplendently? Young Ann Wang, a 14-year-old, withstood the threats of the torturers who invited her to apostatize. Ready for her beheading, she declared with a radiant face:  “The door of heaven is open to all,” three times murmuring:  “Jesus.” And 18-year-old Chi Zhuzi, cried out fearlessly to those who had just cut off his right arm and were preparing to flay him alive:  “Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am Christian.” ~Canonization homily of Pope John Paul II

Prayer:
Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, you gave your lives for the love of Christ, taking great risk to share the Good News. Your deaths planted seeds of faith that have grown in the hearts of many. Please pray for me, and also for the people of China, that the saving message of the Gospel will continue to be preached and that many hearts will respond with generosity and faith. Saint Augustine and Companions, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.

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