Love’s Sacrifice<br/><br/>

On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 120 Chinese Martyrs blesseds to the sainthood and designated July 9 of each year as the feast day of the Chinese Martyrs. In the past, the Blessed Chinese Martyrs were commemorated on October 1, the same day as the feast day for the patroness of missionaries, St. Therese of Lisieux.<br/><br/>

According to our parish website:
“Religious persecution occurred at various periods in the history of China. The first occurrence it happened during the early Yuan dynasty (1281-1367), when Bishop John of Montecorvino was pioneering the Catholic Church in China. Another series of persecutions happened again at the end of the Ming dynasty (1606-1637) when Fr. Ricci and other priests were working in China. Some missionaries were expelled, others were arrested and even executed. During the Ching dynasty (1648-1907) persecutions began again with the local Churches in the south and afterwards in the southwest parts of China. We know the names of a few Dominicans, Paris Foreign Missionaries and a small number of the many Catholics who were killed for their Faith.”<br/><br/>

St. Iraeneus once said, “The blood of the martyrs is the bedrock on which the church grows.” We firmly believe the price the Chinese Martyrs paid with their lives ensures that the faith taught by Jesus will one day be spread throughout China. We can do our part by living out the Gospel and fulfilling our Christian duties. When possible, fast and pray fervently to avoid the temptation of giving up our faith.<br/><br/>

Parishioner Joseph Tham entered the Legionaries of Christ in 1994 as a Brother. At the time, he had already been practicing medicine as a family physician for several years, specializing in Natural Family Planning, and had published a book called “The Missing Cornerstone”. On June 29, he will be ordained a deacon in Rome, followed by ordination to the priesthood at the end of this year. Please keep Joseph in your prayers.