Saint Augustine Zhao Rong

Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese soldier, was ordered to escort a bishop to his death sentence in Beijing. The bishop's courage, patience and demeanor amazed Augustine and changed his life. Risking his own death sentence, Augustine was baptized, became a priest, and was himself martyred in 1815. In the year 2000, Augustine was canonized by Pope John Paul II, along with 119 other Chinese martyrs who had died for the Faith throughout the years.

Feast Day: July 9