1817 - Joseph Yuan Zaide

June 24, 1817

Chengdu, Sichuan

Joseph Yuan Zaide. [CRBC]

Joseph Yuan Zaide, the youngest of five children, was born in 1766 at Peng County, Sichuan Province. Growing up in a God-fearing home, Joseph’s thoughts were constantly directed towards the Bible and serving God. At the age of 16 he attended the seminary at Luorenggou. Ten years later he was sent to assist the Bishop Louis Dufresse in Chengdu. Dufresse was later martyred for his faith in 1815.

Yuan was ordained a priest in 1795. The following year a severe persecution against the White Lotus Society was launched by the Chinese authorities, and many Catholics were caught up in it. Yuan risked his life by continuing to take care of the flock entrusted to his care. In the end he had to flee to Dezhou, where he lived on a farm while the authorities searched for him. During this time he continued to share the gospel whenever he had an opportunity.

After more than twenty years of faithful ministry he was betrayed by a parishioner and imprisoned. A female member of his flock had fallen into the sin of adultery. Yuan reprimanded her publicly for her sin and lack of repentance. The woman felt deeply humiliated and looked for an opportunity to get revenge on Yuan. Learning that he was leaving on a secret mission to Hezhou, she passed the information on to the local authorities. Yuan was arrested on July 9, 1816, along with many other Catholics whose identity had been revealed by the adulterous woman.

As he was taken to the execution ground to be killed, Joseph Yuan Zaide encouraged his flock to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. The 51-year-old priest was killed at Chengdu on June 24, 1817.