Chinese Martyrs

We hardly think of China as a country with Catholic Martyrs, but the startling fact is that 30,000 people were martyred between 1648 and 1930.  Eighty-six suffered death for their faith during the Boxer Rebellion.  Pope St. John Paul II canonized 120 Chinese Martyrs on October 1, 2000, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, patron saint of the missions.  Among these canonized was St. Augustine Zhao Rong, a convert who became a priest.  Sometimes this memorial is referred to as St. Augustine Zhao and Companions.
Wonders of grace continue today as in the case of a young woman, who though baptized, did not practice nor know anything about her faith.  A friend encouraged her to make Cursillo during which she experienced a major conversion and is a Sister today.  Her mother was also converted as a result of her daughter's conversion.
We are called to conversion daily, and even "mini-martyrdom" as we lay aside the frivolous and empty from our lives and turn more wholeheartedly to Jesus.  Let us not doubt the power of God at work in our world, and in our own lives.  Be merciful to me, a sinner, O Lord and open my heart to full union with you.
Bro. Rene