1815 - Augustin Zhao Rong

December 18, 1815

Western Sichuan

Augustin Zhao Rong. [CRBC]

Zhao Rong, a native of Wuchuan in Guizhou Province, was born in 1746. After finishing his education, he got a job as bailiff in a county prison. In 1772 an anti-Christian persecution broke out. Many Catholics were arrested, and Zhao Rong came into contact with them because of his job at the prison.

Among the prisoners was the missionary Martinus Moye, who converted many of his fellow prisoners through the power of his preaching. Zhao Rong was impressed by the changes evident in the lives of the Christian prisoners and knew there must be something to the religion. Zhao listened carefully whenever Moye preached, and soon grasped the essential truths of Christianity.

After Moye was released from prison Zhao Rong visited him so he could learn more about the Bible. He believed in Christ and was baptized in 1776, taking the Christian name Augustin. He grew in faith and maturity, and was considered a great help to the Catholic leaders in his area.

In 1779 a famine struck throughout Sichuan Province, and an accompanying plague resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Zhao was sent to Sichuan to help alleviate the suffering of the believers. While serving there he was ordained into the Catholic priesthood on May 10, 1781, at the age of 35. He gained respect as a gifted Bible teacher, often leading meetings in which he preached for three days in succession.

Augustin Zhao Rong was appointed to lead the outreach to the minority tribesmen of western Sichuan Province. He travelled widely, exhorting his scattered flock to remain steadfast in the faith. In 1815 another persecution broke out and Zhao was arrested and tortured. Now 69-years-old, his aged body could not cope with the abuse, and he died in prison on December 18, 1815.