Saint Agnes Cao Guiying

Biography

Saint Agnes Cao Guiying, also known as Agnese Cao Kuiying, Agnes Tsao Kou Ying, Agnes Tsao-kouy, Agnes Kouying Tsao, Inés, and Yiani, was born around 1821 in Wujiazhai, Guizhou, China. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Agnes grew up in a spiritual environment that deeply influenced her faith. Tragedy struck when Agnes was a teenager, as both of her parents passed away. In the wake of this loss, she decided to leave her home village and move to Xingyi. At the age of 18, she married a young farmer and started a family. However, her life took another tragic turn when her husband was martyred just two years later. Devastated by the loss of her husband and inspired by her faith, Agnes dedicated herself to teaching catechism and serving the Catholic community. Recognizing her devotion and potential, Saint Auguste Chapedelaine requested her assistance in the missionary work being carried out in Guangxi province. Agnes, willingly answering the call, made the journey to Guangxi to help spread the Catholic faith. In addition to teaching catechism, Agnes also took it upon herself to instruct young women in practical life skills such as cooking, child care, and managing a home. Through her teaching, she empowered these young women to embrace their roles within their families and society. However, Agnes' dedication to her faith and missionary work did not go unnoticed by those who opposed Christianity. As a result, she was soon imprisoned and subjected to brutal torture, all in an effort to make her renounce her faith. Despite the immense suffering she endured, Agnes remained steadfast in her belief and refused to renounce her Catholicism. As persecution intensified, Agnes was locked in a tiny cage, a final attempt to break her spirit. Despite the unbearable conditions and the physical and emotional abuse she suffered, Agnes remained firm in her faith until the end. She refused to renounce her beliefs, even if it meant saving her life. Sadly, Agnes ultimately succumbed to the abuse, exposure, and starvation she endured while in captivity. On 1 March 1856, she died as a martyr for her unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith, in the village of Xilin, Guangxi, China. Saint Agnes Cao Guiying's extraordinary courage and unwavering faith were acknowledged by Pope Leo XIII on 2 July 1899 when he declared her venerable, recognizing her heroic martyrdom. On 27 May 1900, Pope Leo XIII further raised her to the status of beatified. Finally, on 1 October 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized her, officially declaring her a saint of the Catholic Church. While Saint Agnes Cao Guiying's patronage is not explicitly known, her life serves as a profound example of resilience, dedication to faith, and sacrifice. Her unwavering commitment to teaching the catechism and her selfless service to others, particularly in the face of adversity, inspire Catholics around the world to remain steadfast in their faith and pursue lives of love and service.