Saint Chi Zhuze

Biography

Saint Chi Zhuze, also known as Xi Guizi, was a teenage layman convert from the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. He was born around 1882 in Dezhaoin, Shenzhou, Hebei, China. Saint Chi Zhuze's story takes place during the Boxer Rebellion, a violent uprising against Western influence in China during the years 1899 and 1901. Despite his young age, Chi Zhuze had embraced the Catholic faith and was on the path to becoming a catechumen. In the midst of the anti-Western riot, Saint Chi Zhuze was tragically dragged into the town square and martyred for his devotion to Christianity. The exact details of his death are unclear, but it is mentioned in historical records that he was torn to pieces during June-July 1900 in Dechao, Shenzhou, Hebei, China. The heroic sacrifice made by Saint Chi Zhuze for his faith did not go unnoticed. On February 22, 1955, Pope Pius XII recognized his martyrdom by issuing a decree in which he venerated this young layman. Subsequently, on April 17, 1955, Pope Pius XII beatified Saint Chi Zhuze, acknowledging his status as a blessed martyr. The culmination of Saint Chi Zhuze's journey towards sainthood came on October 1, 2000, when Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint. This recognition by the Catholic Church serves as an inspiration to believers around the world, highlighting the unwavering faith and courage displayed by this Chinese martyr. Although Saint Chi Zhuze's representation and patronage are unspecified, his feast days are celebrated on July 20th and September 28th, along with the other Martyrs of China. These feast days serve as an opportunity for the faithful to honor and remember the sacrifices made by Saint Chi Zhuze and his fellow martyrs during the Boxer Rebellion. Saint Chi Zhuze's life and martyrdom remind us of the immense courage individuals can possess in the face of persecution and adversity. His story serves as a testament to the power of faith and the willingness to stand up for one's beliefs, even at great personal risk.