Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting

Biography

Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting, commonly known as Tadou, was a Chinese Catholic Priest and Martyr. He was born around the year 1773 in Qunglai County, Sichuan, China. At the age of 35, he was ordained a priest and dedicated his life to serving the Christian community and spreading the faith. Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting's ministry took him on long treks from one village to another, where he ministered to Christians and diligently worked to bring more people to the faith. His tireless efforts not only provided spiritual guidance and support to the faithful but also inspired others to embrace Christianity. Unfortunately, the spreading of the faith was met with resistance in China during that time. On Pentecost in 1821, Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting was arrested for his unwavering dedication to his faith. He endured severe torture at the hands of his captors before being imprisoned for two long years. Despite the immense suffering he endured, he never wavered in his faith. Finally, on 30 November 1823, Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting's sentence was handed down, and he was strangled to death at the temple in Quxian, Sichuan, China. His martyrdom was a testament to his steadfast commitment to Christ. The heroic witness of Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting did not go unnoticed by the Catholic Church. He was venerated on 2 July 1899 by Pope Leo XIII, who officially recognized his martyrdom through a decree. Later, on 27 May 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified him, recognizing his sanctity and the continual inspiration he provided to the faithful. Following a long period of veneration, which demonstrated the enduring impact of Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting's life and martyrdom on the Chinese Catholic community, he was finally canonized as a saint on 1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II. This canonization served to affirm his exemplary life of faith, selflessness, and devotion to the Church. Although there is no specific representation or designated patronage attributed to Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting, his martyrdom and dedication to the Christian faith highlight his intercessory power and the inspiration he provides to all Christians, particularly those facing persecution and hardship. Saint Thaddeus Liu Ruiting's life and martyrdom serve as a shining example of unwavering faith, courage, and dedication to the Gospel. His story reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout history to preserve and spread the Catholic faith, and he continues to inspire and guide believers in their own spiritual journeys.