Saint Maria Guo Lizhi

Biography

Saint Maria Guo Lizhi, also known as Maria Guo Lishi or Mali, was a married lay woman who became a martyr during the Boxer Rebellion in China. She was born around 1835 in Hujiache, Shenzhou, Hebei, China. Not much is known about her early life or her family background, but her strong faith and conviction would later mark her as a saint. Maria Guo Lizhi lived during a tumultuous time in Chinese history, when anti-foreign sentiments were on the rise, fueled by growing nationalism and resistance against Western imperialism. The Boxer Rebellion, which took place from 1899 to 1901, was a violent uprising that targeted foreigners, Christians, and Western influences in China. Maria Guo Lizhi and her family became victims of this brutal conflict. In 1900, as the Boxer Rebellion raged on, Maria Guo Lizhi and seven members of her family were imprisoned and subjected to torture for their Christian beliefs. Despite the harsh conditions and suffering, Maria remained steadfast in her faith, providing comfort and encouragement to her fellow prisoners. Even in the face of persecution, Maria Guo Lizhi's unwavering belief in God inspired those around her to stay true to their Christian convictions. She became a source of strength and hope for the imprisoned Christians, reminding them of the eternal reward that awaited them for their fidelity to Christ. Tragically, on July 7, 1900, Maria Guo Lizhi, along with her family members and many other Chinese Christians, was brutally executed in Hujiache, Shenzhou, Hebei, China. Their martyrdoms were a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith, even in the face of extreme suffering and death. Following her death, Maria Guo Lizhi's reputation for holiness continued to grow, and her story spread throughout China. Recognizing her exceptional witness to the Christian faith, Pope John Paul II canonized her as a saint on October 1, 2000. Her feast day is celebrated on July 7 and September 28, as one of the Martyrs of China. Though Saint Maria Guo Lizhi's life remains shrouded in relative obscurity, her courage, resilience, and unwavering faith make her an inspiring example for all believers. She serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of Christ can shine through the lives of ordinary people, transforming them into extraordinary witnesses to God's love and mercy.