Dominican Martyrs of China

Today, we celebrate the feast of several Dominican martyrs of China. St. Francis de Capillas, the protomartyr of China, was a Spanish Dominican who was sent to the Philippines in 1631 to study the Chinese language. He arrived at the Chinese mission 10 years later, and his apostolate in Fujian was so successful that a community of Third Order Dominicans was established. However, when the Manchurians invaded the city, the new dynasty began to persecute the Christians.

In 1647, Fr. Francis de Capillas was captured while bringing the sacraments to the sick. His persecutors insulted and repeatedly tortured him. Yet through his example of kindness toward his persecutors, they were moved to show him leniency and lessen his punishments. While he was in prison, he wrote:

I am here with other prisoners, and we have developed a fellowship. They ask me about the Gospel of the Lord. I am not concerned about getting out of here because here I know I am doing the will of God. They do not let me stay up at night to pray, so I pray in bed before dawn. I live here in great joy without any worry, knowing that I am here because of Jesus Christ. The pearls I have found here these days are not always easy to find.

In 1648, he was sentenced to death for spreading false doctrines and inciting the people against the Emperor. On January 15, 1648, he was killed for love of Christ, becoming the first martyr within the Chinese empire.

Another Dominican martyr of China is St. Peter Sanz. In 1741, he was arrested with four other Dominican friars. Although Peter and the other Dominicans were tortured, they experienced great joy. St. Peter Sanz even said at his execution, “Rejoice with me, my friend; I am going to heaven!” In the many trials of life, we can look to the martyrs, ask for strength from God, and truly experience the joy of Christ.