Saint Maria Du Zhauzhi

Biography

Saint Maria Du Zhauzhi, also known as Mali and Du Zhaoshi Maria, was a married lay woman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. She was born around 1849 in Qifengzhuang, Shenzhou, Hebei, China. Little is known about her early life, but she embraced her faith as a devout Catholic. Maria was married and became the mother of a priest, a vocation that she supported and encouraged in her son. She was a loving and dedicated wife and mother, and her home became a center of faith and prayer. During the Boxer Rebellion in China, when anti-Christian sentiment was on the rise, Maria's faith and courage were put to the ultimate test. The Boxer movement, a secret society opposing foreign influence, targeted not only foreign missionaries but also Chinese Christians who were perceived as sympathetic to their cause. In 1900, as the Boxer Rebellion escalated, Maria and her family faced persecution for their faith. They were imprisoned and subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torture. Despite the hardships, Maria remained steadfast in her faith, providing unwavering support to her family and fellow believers in their darkest hours. On June 28, 1900, Maria Du Zhauzhi was martyred for her Christian faith. She was executed along with her family in Wangjiatian, Hengshui City, Hebei, China. Her unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution earned her a place among the martyrs of the Church. Maria's heroic virtues and sacrifice were recognized by the Catholic Church. On February 22, 1955, Pope Pius XII proclaimed her venerable, acknowledging her martyrdom. Later that year, on April 17, 1955, Pope Pius XII beatified her, affirming her status as a Blessed in the Catholic Church. Finally, on October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Maria Du Zhauzhi, recognizing her as a fully fledged saint. Her canonization serves as a testament to her exemplary life, her unyielding faith, and her ultimate sacrifice for the sake of her Catholic beliefs. While Saint Maria Du Zhauzhi currently does not have any specific patronages or representations associated with her, her life and martyrdom serve as an inspiration to all Christians facing persecution for their faith. Her memory challenges believers to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity and to always trust in the power of God's grace.