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Feast Day: July 20
Birth: October 26, 1818
Death: July 1, 20
Saint Juan Alcober Figuera, also known as John Alcober, was a renowned Dominican priest and missionary to China. Born in 1694 in Gerona, Spain, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Christianity in far-flung lands. Juan Alcober's journey to China was not without its challenges. Due to transport issues, he found himself marooned in Lorca for a significant period. However, during this time, he became a popular preacher, captivating the local population with his words and inspiring them with his faith. Finally, in 1726, Juan was able to sail to Manila in the Philippines, inching closer to his ultimate destination. Two years later, in 1728, he arrived in China and began his extensive mission work in the Fo-kien province. Aware of the dangers that awaited him in a hostile environment, Juan adopted a disguise, posing as a water seller to move around the city discreetly. Despite the need for secrecy, Juan Alcober maintained his unwavering commitment to his ministry. On one occasion, he had to be smuggled into a house inside a dying man's coffin in order to administer the Last Rites. His dedication knew no bounds, and even when faced with imminent danger, he found solace and strength in his faith. Once, while trying to avoid detection, he climbed into a tree. Realizing he would have to spend the night there, he began saying his evening prayers. To his surprise, he was joined in prayer by his friend Blessed Francis Serrano, who happened to be hiding in the same tree. In 1746, tragedy struck the mission. One of Juan's flock received a vision of Our Lady of the Rosary shortly before her passing. The word of this extraordinary event spread quickly, and a crowd gathered to witness the beatific appearance of the visionary's body. This unexpected surge of visitors prevented Juan Alcober from making his usual quick escape, and he was subsequently arrested. Imprisoned alongside Blessed Francis Serrano and Father Francis Diaz, Juan and his companions endured severe torture in an attempt to reveal the whereabouts of Bishop Pere Sans-Jorda and Father Joachim Royo, who were also known to be in the province. Eventually, to end the suffering of their fellow brethren, the two sought-after individuals surrendered. On October 25, 1748, in Fu-tsheu prison in the Fo-kien province, Juan Alcober Figuera, along with Saint Peter Sanz, Blessed Francis Serrano, and other Dominican companions, was strangled to death. Remarkably, even the executioners noted the serene and radiant expressions on the faces of these martyrs. The enduring legacy of Saint Juan Alcober Figuera lives on, not only through the memory of his noble sacrifice but also through the recognition he has received within the Catholic Church. Blessed by Pope Leo XIII on May 14, 1893, Juan Alcober was finally canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 2000. His feast days are celebrated on October 28, September 28 as one of the Martyrs of China, and December 30 on some calendars. Saint Juan Alcober Figuera exemplifies the virtues of dedication, courage, and unwavering faith, serving as an inspiration to all who strive to spread the message of love and peace in the face of adversity.