St. Peter Ou

  Posted on November 7, 2020  by admin  No comments

Born: 1768 at Longping in Guizhou Province, China

Died: strangled to death on 7 November 1814 at Tsen-y-Fou, Su-Tchuen province, China 

Beatified: 27 May 1900 by Pope Leo XIII

Canonized: 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II 

Feast day: November 7

Born to a non-Christian family. Known from his youth for his sense of justice, his quick defense of the poor and oppressed; his outspoken nature actually frightened people in his traditionalist region. A husband and self-made businessman, he owned and ran a large hotel. One of the first converts made by missionaries to his area. Naturally enthusiastic, Peter tossed out his household idols, and preached Christianity to anyone who came by. Lay leader of the converts in his district, he took the name Peter at baptism. Worked as a catechist for missionaries in Sichuan; instructed 600 people in Christianity. Arrested on 3 April 1814 during a violent backlash against the faith. Imprisoned and tortured to break him from his faith, he worked to inspire the faith in his fellow prisoners, and led prayer services in the cells. Condemned to death for refusing to step on a crucifix. Martyr.