Zhao Rong was born in 1746 in Wuchuan, Guizhou, China. He became a soldier in the army of Emperor Kia-Kin during the Qing dynasty. He was well respected as he received the highest rankings and entrusted tasks.
Several decades after the 1st martyr of China who was Saint Francisco Fernandez de Capillas, persecutions eased as successive emperors tolerated Christians. That changed in 1707 when the Pope issued a decree forbidding the co-mingling of Confucian religious practices with the Catholic faith, which infuriated the Emperor. The majority of missions were suppressed. In 1724, Christianity was officially banned, and all priest were expelled. By the end of the 18th century, there remained just a little over 100,000 Catholics in China who practiced their faith in secret.
At the age of 26 he was entrusted with the task of transporting Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse, of the Paris Foreign Mission Society, to Beijing for his execution. During the long journey, the bishop greatly impressed Zhao Rung with his kindness and peaceful demeanor in the face of persecution and death.
He learned of Catholicism, left the army, and was baptized and confirmed on August 28. He took the name of Augustine in honor of the saint of the day. He entered the seminary and worked the missionaries as he studied. In 1781 he was ordained, becoming the first native born priest in China. He was known for being a powerful, moving speaker as his military training remained with him. He was very daring and courageous. He was sent to the outlying mountains to evangelize the indigenous people and he brought many of the young to know Christ.
He was arrested and imprisoned in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. He was offered an opportunity to renounce his faith but refused. He was then tortured, and imprisoned under poor conditions, but still never gave up his faith. Father Augustine died of his injuries while in prison on January 21, 1815 in Chengdu, China.
In the decades that followed, many were persecuted and martyred but the faith remained. Saint Augustine Zhao Rong is part of the 120 Martyrs of China who are considered Saints.
In 2000, Saint Augustine Zhao Rong along with 120 martyrs, were canonized by Pope John Paul II.
The proclamation of the Gospel in China continues today, and much resistance follows.
He is the patron saint of soldiers.
His feast day is March 21 along with July 9 for the martyrs of China.
For God’s Glory.
