Saint Laurentius Bai Xiaoman

Biography

Saint Laurentius Bai Xiaoman, also known as Lawrence Pe-Man, Luolong, or Laurence Pe-Man, was born around 1821 in Shuicheng, Guizhou, China. He was born into a poor family and tragically became an orphan at a young age. Despite these hardships, Laurentius Bai Xiaoman showed a remarkable spirit of resilience and determination throughout his life. As he grew older, Laurentius became a layman and found work as a day laborer in the region of Guangxi, China. Eventually, he settled in the village of Yaoshan, where he continued to work as a day laborer to support himself. In his early thirties, Laurentius entered into marriage and became the father of a daughter. Known for his kindness and honesty, he was respected and admired by those who knew him. However, his life took a significant turn when he encountered the Catholic faith. Around 1855, Laurentius decided to convert to Catholicism and joined the Church. With his new faith, he took on the name Lawrence, symbolizing his commitment to his newfound beliefs. As a faithful Catholic, he became a spiritual student of Saint Augustus Chapdelaine, a French missionary who had ventured to China to spread the Gospel. Tragically, the arrest of Saint Augustus Chapdelaine by local officials sparked a wave of persecution against Christians in the region. Laurentius bravely protested this injustice, which led to his own arrest. The local authorities demanded that he renounce Christianity, but he refused steadfastly, remaining true to his newfound faith. As a result of his unwavering devotion, Laurentius was subjected to severe torture and cruel mistreatment. Despite these unbearable hardships, he remained resolute in his faith until the very end. On February 25, 1856, in Su-Lik-Hien, Kwang-Si province, China, Laurentius Bai Xiaoman was beheaded for his unwavering commitment to Christ. After his martyrdom, his body was callously dumped in a wooded area, left to be devoured by wild animals. However, his memory endured, and his sacrifice was recognized by the Catholic Church. On July 2, 1899, Pope Leo XIII officially venerated Laurentius Bai Xiaoman, decreeing his martyrdom. Later, on May 27, 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified him. Finally, on October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized him, acknowledging his sanctity and elevating him to the status of a Catholic saint. Saint Laurentius Bai Xiaoman is remembered as a courageous martyr, a shining example of unwavering faith, and a symbol of strength in the face of persecution. Though born into poverty and orphaned at a young age, he embraced his faith wholeheartedly and never wavered in his commitment to Christ. His courageous witness serves as an inspiration to all believers to stand firm in their beliefs and to remain faithful even in the most challenging circumstances. While he does not have a specific patronage attributed to him, Saint Laurentius Bai Xiaoman's life and sacrifice continue to inspire Catholics around the world.