Saint Joseph Freinademetz

Biography

Saint Joseph Freinademetz, also known as Giuseppe Freinademetz, Joseph of Shantung, Joseph of Shandong, Jozef Freinademetz, or Ujoep, was born on 15 April 1852 in Pedraces in Val Gadena, the Tyrolean Alps, Italy. He came from a pious farm family and was the fourth of twelve children. From an early age, Joseph displayed exceptional intellect and a talent for languages, ultimately becoming fluent in seven different languages. In pursuit of his calling, Joseph was ordained a priest in Bressanone, Italian Tyrol, on 25 July 1875. Soon after, he joined the Divine Word Missionaries, an emerging congregation at the time. In 1879, Joseph embarked on a missionary journey to China, dedicating the rest of his life to spreading the teachings of Catholicism in this foreign land. His approach was unique as he deeply immersed himself in the Chinese culture, going to great lengths to assimilate and understand the ways of the Chinese people in order to effectively evangelize them. Initially, Joseph collaborated with Franciscan missionaries to acclimate himself and his group to the local environment. The bishop of Hong Kong intended to appoint Father Joseph as the leader of the group and later ordain him as bishop. However, Joseph humbly declined the offer, insisting that the honor be given to someone else. This act of humility and selflessness showcased his commitment to his mission. Throughout his time in China, Saint Joseph Freinademetz faced persecution and adversity. The Chinese government, driven by anti-foreign sentiments, targeted him, his fellow missionaries, and the converts they had gathered. They were constantly on the run, often being arrested, and subjected to physical abuse. Despite the hardships, Joseph displayed unwavering faith and courage. There are accounts of him preaching to his attackers while they were beating him, profoundly impacting them to the point that they ceased their violence. The mistreatment faced by the missionaries caused foreign governments to intervene by dispatching armed forces to protect them. In response, the Chinese government decided to expel all foreigners from the country. Yet, Saint Joseph Freinademetz stayed behind, risking his life to secretly minister to the converts. When the deportation orders were lifted, he resumed his missionary work openly, tirelessly teaching and converting individuals until his final days. Sadly, Saint Joseph Freinademetz succumbed to tuberculosis and typhus on 28 January 1908, in Taikia, China. He had dedicated over twenty-eight years of his life to the people of China, steadfast in his mission to bring them to Christ. Recognizing his exceptional virtues and holiness, Pope Paul VI declared the heroic virtues of Saint Joseph Freinademetz on 16 March 1970, signifying his deep spirituality and selflessness. On 19 October 1975, he was beatified by Pope Paul VI, a testament to his close proximity to God. Finally, on 5 October 2003, Pope John Paul II canonized him, officially declaring him a saint of the Catholic Church. Saint Joseph Freinademetz serves as an inspiration to all Christians, exemplifying the importance of humility, perseverance, and dedication in the face of adversity. His life's work demonstrates the transformative power of faith and love in the service of others. Although he faced immense challenges, he remained unwavering in his commitment to bring the message of Christ to the Chinese people, leaving behind a lasting legacy of faith and devotion.