Saint Peter Ou

Biography

Saint Peter Ou, also known as Peter Wu Gousheng, Wu Gousheng, and Wu Guosheng Petrus, was born in 1768 to a non-Christian family in Longping, Guizhou Province, China. Even from a young age, Peter was known for his sense of justice and his quick defense of the poor and oppressed. However, his outspoken nature often frightened people in his traditionalist region. Peter grew up to become a husband and a self-made businessman, owning and managing a large hotel. It was during this time that he encountered Christian missionaries, who were some of the first to bring the Gospel to his area. Through their teachings, Peter became one of their earliest converts. Naturally enthusiastic, Peter fully embraced his newfound faith and took the name Peter at his baptism. He was a lay leader among the converts in his district and worked as a catechist for the missionaries in Sichuan. Through his dedication, he instructed around 600 people in Christianity, spreading the message to anyone who would listen. However, on April 3, 1814, a violent backlash against the Christian faith occurred, leading to Peter's arrest. He was imprisoned and subjected to various forms of torture in an attempt to break his faith. Despite the harsh conditions, Peter remained steadfast in his beliefs and worked tirelessly to inspire faith in his fellow prisoners. He even led prayer services in the cells, providing comfort and support to those around him. As his captors grew increasingly desperate, they demanded that Peter renounce his faith by stepping on a crucifix. Refusing to denounce Jesus, Peter chose death over denying his Lord. On November 7, 1814, he was strangled to death in Tsen-y-Fou, Su-Tchuen province, China. Saint Peter Ou is recognized as one of the Martyrs of China, a group of courageous individuals who gave their lives for their faith. His representation is unknown, and he belonged to the Post-Congregation period. His feast days are celebrated on November 7 and September 28, together with the other Martyrs of China. After his death, Saint Peter Ou's heroic witness to the Gospel was recognized by the Catholic Church. He was beatified on May 27, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII, and was canonized on October 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II. Although he does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, Saint Peter Ou's life and martyrdom continue to inspire Christians around the world to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution.