1989 - Li Jizai

July 1989

Shanghai

Li Jizai.

Li Jizai grew up in a committed Catholic household. From infancy he was taught to love God and to love his neighbour, and through many decades of hardship he never stopped doing both. As a young man he proved to be a bright student and frequently came top of his class. He was well-liked by both teachers and classmates, yet it was a surprise to many when Li decided to become a priest.

At seminary Li once again proved to be an outstanding student and was elected head prefect. He was not a target of the September 8, 1955, persecution in Shanghai when more than 1,000 Catholics were arrested, but during a new wave of attacks in 1958 he was denounced and sent to prison for five years. In those days the length of a prison sentence meant little in China. Prisoners were detained as long as the government decided they needed to be. At the prison labour camp he was given the task of taking care of the chickens and ducks. Li

“did not spare himself in this menial task, so every care was taken of his poultry, and so it was that when the egg production rate of other people’s chickens and ducks was only 40%, his own chickens and ducks achieved a record rate of 80% to 90%…others called him ‘the poultry specialist’.”[1]

The work load in the labour camp was severe. All prisoners were forced to work between 14 and 16 hours a day, seven days per week. Any perceived lack of effort was met with beatings and humiliation from the guards. The terrible food and filthy unhygienic conditions resulted in epidemics like hepatitis sweeping through the prison. In early 1987 Li Jizai felt a sharp pain in his side and was taken to the prison hospital for examination. He was diagnosed with having a severe hardening of the liver, a condition common among many inmates in Chinese prisons.

Towards the end of the year Li was again taken to the hospital, and was this time diagnosed with liver cancer. He was given three months to live and was granted medical parole. When told that he had an untreatable illness, Li replied, “I must redouble my work for the Lord within the limited months at my disposal, for by so doing I shall have glorified Him!”[2] God saw the desire of his servant’s heart. Li dumfounded the doctors and continued to live for another 18 months, leading many people to Christ during this time and encouraging many young believers in the faith. He flaunted the government’s regulations by holding open meetings in his home, and serving Communion to the faithful.

By the beginning of 1989 Li’s liver cancer had reached an advanced stage, yet he continued to work ceaselessly day and night. He preached sermons every week. When his voice weakened he brought a tape recorder and preached during the week, playing it to his congregation the following Sunday. On the morning of July 9, 1989, Li Jizai held his final Mass. His body simply broke down, even though his mind was alert. Loving brothers and sisters surrounded him, praying for Li and encouraging him with Scripture. Finally, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, his spirit went back to the Maker.

1. September 8th Editorial Board, Blessings of the Divine Bounty, 101.
2. September 8th Editorial Board, Blessings of the Divine Bounty, 101.