Saint Joseph Zhang Dapeng

Biography

Saint Joseph Zhang Dapeng, also known as Iosephus Zhang Depeng, Joseph Tchang Taong, Joseph Tshang-ta-Pong, and Ruose, was born around 1754 in Duyun, Guizhou Province, China. In his youth, Joseph displayed great intelligence and curiosity, which led him to be attracted to Taoism. However, his life took a significant turn when he moved to Guiyang in 1794 and started working in the silk business. It was during his time in Guiyang that Joseph first encountered Christianity through a business contact. The teachings and beliefs of the Christian faith resonated deeply with him, prompting him to convert. However, due to the custom of the time, Joseph was unable to join the Church because he maintained a concubine. Determined to fully embrace his newfound faith, Joseph made the difficult decision to leave his concubine and, in 1800, he officially joined the Church, taking the name Joseph. This act of conversion was met with strong opposition from his family and business associates, but Joseph remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ. Facing difficulties in his business due to his faith, Joseph decided to leave his previous employment and open his own store. Alongside his business endeavors, he embarked on a ministry of preaching and teaching, spreading the Christian message. He transformed a house into a small school for religious education and became a school principal in 1808. Additionally, he dedicated himself to serving as a catechist and altar server, actively participating in the liturgical life of the Church. During a dark period marked by anti-Christian persecution led by the White Lotus Cult, Joseph chose to go into hiding briefly. Despite the risks, he continued his catechist work secretly to protect the Christian community. In 1814, tragedy struck when he was betrayed by his anti-Christian brother-in-law, leading to his arrest. During his time in prison, Joseph found himself in the company of Saint Peter Wu Gousheng, another Christian martyr. Together, they ministered to their fellow prisoners, providing them with spiritual solace and guidance. Throughout his imprisonment, Joseph was offered his freedom on numerous occasions if he renounced his faith, but he steadfastly refused, remaining loyal to his beliefs until the end. On March 12, 1815, Joseph was strangled to death in Guiyang, Guizhou. He was buried in Xijiaotang, China, and the grass from his grave has grown to be considered part of local folk remedies. Saint Joseph Zhang Dapeng was officially venerated on August 2, 1908, by Pope Pius X, who decreed his martyrdom. He was later beatified on May 2, 1909, by Pope Pius X. Finally, on October 1, 2000, he was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II. Saint Joseph Zhang Dapeng is remembered as a courageous and faithful Christian who, despite facing opposition, persecution, and the temptation of renouncing his beliefs, remained true to his faith until his martyrdom. He is honored as one of the Martyrs of China and is revered as a patron saint for his unwavering commitment to Christ.