Saint Joseph Zhang Dapeng

Also known as

Zhang Depeng; Tchang Taong; Tshang-ta-Pong

Memorial

28 September

Profile

A clever and inquisitive boy, he was much attracted to Taoism in his youth. He moved to Guiyang in 1794, and entered the silk business. Through a business contact, he first learned of Christianity. He converted, but was unable to join the Church because, in the custom of the day, he kept a concubine. He eventually left her, and in 1800, against strong opposition from his family and business associates, he joined the Church, taking the name Joseph.

Because of trouble at his business over his new-found faith, he went out on his own, opening his own store. He began a ministry of preaching and teaching, and converted a house into a small school for religion. He became a school principal in 1808, and worked as a catechist and altar server.

During the anti-Christian persecutions led by the White Lotus Cult, Joseph went briefly into hiding, but continued his catechist work covertly. In 1814 he was betrayed by his anti-Christian brother-in-law, and was arrested. He was lodged with Saint Peter Wu Gousheng, and the two spent their prison time ministering to other prisoners. He was offered his freedom if he would denounce Christianity; he declined. One of the Martyrs of China.

Born

1754 in Duyun, Guizhou Province, China

Died

strangled to death on 2 February 1815; buried in Xijiaotang; grass from his grave has become part of local folk remedies.

Name Meaning

whom the Lord adds (Joseph)

Beatified

2 May 1909 by Pope Pius X

Canonized

1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II

Additional Information

Chinese Martyrs Catholic Church, Toronto, Canada
Kirken i Norge norwegian

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