Saint Victalicus

Biography

Saint Paulus Lang Fu, also known as Paolo Lang-Eull or Baolu, was a child born in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China, around the year 1893. He was the son of Saint Yangzhi Lang, a devout Catholic. Paulus Lang Fu's life was tragically cut short during the anti-Christian persecutions of the Boxer Rebellion. At the tender age of seven, Paulus Lang Fu became a victim of the intense persecution against Christians in his region. The Boxer Rebellion, which took place from 1899 to 1901, was a violent uprising against foreign influence and Christian missionaries in China. The rebels, known as the Boxers, targeted and persecuted both foreign missionaries and Chinese Christians. On July 16, 1900, the young Paulus Lang Fu faced a brutal and horrifying death. He was tied to an ash tree by his tormentors, who proceeded to stab him with spears. After enduring this torment, his lifeless body was thrown into his own house, which the killers cruelly set on fire. Despite this tragic end, the faith and courage displayed by Paulus Lang Fu during his short life continue to inspire many. His father, Saint Yangzhi Lang, managed to recover his son's remains from the charred remains of their house and gave him a respectful burial nearby. In recognition of his martyrdom and exemplary faith, Pope Pius XII officially declared Paulus Lang Fu's martyrdom on February 22, 1955. Just a few months later, on April 17, 1955, Pope Pius XII beatified him, acknowledging his sanctity and the sacrifice he made for his faith. Nearly half a century later, on October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II elevated Paulus Lang Fu to sainthood. This canonization further emphasized the significance of his life and death as a testament to his unwavering devotion to Christ. While there is no specific patronage attributed to Saint Paulus Lang Fu, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the early Christian community in China. His memory lives on through his feast days, observed on July 16 and September 28, as part of the Commemoration of the Martyrs of China. Saint Paulus Lang Fu's life serves as a poignant example of the trials faced by Chinese Christians during the Boxer Rebellion. His unwavering faith and courage, even at such a young age, continue to inspire believers around the world. May his memory and intercession bring strength and comfort to those facing persecution and adversity in modern times.