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Feast Day: July 7
Death: July 1, 7
Saint Marcus Ji Tianxiang, also known as Magu, Marco, or Mark, was a married layman in the apostolic vicariate of Southeastern Zhili, China. He was born around 1834 in Yazhuangtou, Jizhou, Hebei, China. Marcus Ji Tianxiang lived during a tumultuous time in China's history, marked by the Boxer Rebellion. Marcus Ji Tianxiang was a respected physician and a devoted Catholic. However, he faced a significant challenge in his life: an addiction to opium. This addiction led to him being forbidden to receive Holy Communion. Despite his struggles, Marcus Ji Tianxiang never lost his faith and remained steadfast in his commitment to the Church. For almost thirty years, Marcus Ji Tianxiang battled with his addiction. He desperately wanted to break free from this dependency, but it proved to be an immense struggle. However, throughout this difficult period, Marcus Ji Tianxiang never wavered in his dedication to God and the Catholic Church. He anchored himself to his faith, finding strength and solace in prayer and the sacraments he was still able to receive. Eventually, Marcus Ji Tianxiang managed to overcome his addiction to opium. He experienced a profound transformation and found himself cleansed from this vice that had held him captive for so long. With his newfound freedom, Marcus Ji Tianxiang eagerly returned to full communion with the Church. He embraced the opportunity to receive the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, which he had long been denied. Tragically, Marcus Ji Tianxiang's martyrdom awaited him during the Boxer Rebellion, a violent anti-Christian uprising in China. On July 7, 1900, in his hometown of Yazhuangtou, Jizhou, Hebei, Marcus Ji Tianxiang was captured and beheaded due to his unwavering faith. He willingly accepted death rather than renouncing his belief in Christ. Marcus Ji Tianxiang's remarkable story of faith, perseverance, and ultimate sacrifice inspired countless individuals who encountered his life. His unwavering commitment to the Church, even in the midst of addiction and persecution, serves as a powerful example of faithfulness to Catholics around the world. Recognizing his heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II canonized Marcus Ji Tianxiang on October 1, 2000. He is now celebrated as a saint in the Catholic Church, remembered for his unyielding faith and as one of the Martyrs of China. Although there is no particular patronage associated with Saint Marcus Ji Tianxiang, his life and witness inspire individuals who struggle with addiction and those facing persecution for their faith. His feast days are celebrated on July 7 and September 28, collectively honoring the Martyrs of China. Despite the lack of specific visual representation associated with Saint Marcus Ji Tianxiang, his story continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of great challenges and adversity.