John Gabriel Perboyre
John Gabriel Perboyre was a French Catholic priest of the Congregation of the Mission who served as a missionary in China. He is remembered for his martyrdom in China and subsequent canonization by Pope John Paul II.
- Feast Day
- September 11
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- China
Key Facts
- ›He was born in 1802 at Le Puech, Lot, France.
- ›He joined the Congregation of the Mission and was ordained a priest in 1825.
- ›He volunteered to serve in China after his brother died en route.
- ›He arrived in Macau in 1835 and began studying the Chinese language.
- ›He was arrested in Hubei in September 1839 during persecutions against Christians.
- ›He was condemned to death and strangled on a cross at Wuchang on September 11, 1840.
Jean-Gabriel Perboyre
About John Gabriel Perboyre
John Gabriel Perboyre (1802–1840) was a French Catholic priest of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians or Lazarists) who achieved sainthood through his martyrdom in China. His life and death represent a significant chapter in the history of Catholic missions in the East.
Early Life and Vocation
Born in 1802 at Le Puech in the Lot department of France, John Gabriel Perboyre was one of eight children. His early life was unremarkable until 1816, when his younger brother joined the Vincentian seminary founded by their uncle. Accompanying his brother, John Gabriel experienced a profound vocational calling. Recognizing his intelligence and piety, seminary teachers encouraged him to enroll formally. With his parents' blessing, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Mission in December 1818, aspiring to serve in overseas missions.
Apostolic Ministry and Martyrdom
Perboyre was ordained a priest on September 23, 1825. His health had previously hindered his desire to go to China, but after his brother Louis died en route, John Gabriel volunteered to take his place. He arrived in Macau in August 1835, where he began studying the Chinese language. He commenced his missionary work in Henan in 1836 and was later transferred to Hubei in January 1838. In September 1839, persecutions against Christians erupted in Hubei, and Perboyre became an early victim. He was arrested, treated inhumanely, and dragged from tribunal to tribunal. After being tortured and condemned to death, the sentence was confirmed by an imperial edict in 1840. On September 11, 1840, he was strangled to death on a cross at Wuchang.
Veneration and Canonization
Following his death, the process for his beatification began. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on November 10, 1889. The cause for his canonization was formally opened in 1891, and he was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 2, 1996. His remains were eventually returned from China to France and are venerated in the chapel of the Vincentian Motherhouse in Paris.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Gabriel Perboyre born?
John Gabriel Perboyre was born in 1802 at Le Puech, Lot, France.
What religious order did John Gabriel Perboyre belong to?
He belonged to the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians or Lazarists.
Why did John Gabriel Perboyre go to China?
He volunteered to serve as a missionary in China to replace his brother, Louis, who had died during the journey.
How did John Gabriel Perboyre die?
He was arrested during persecutions against Christians in Hubei, tortured, condemned to death, and strangled on a cross at Wuchang on September 11, 1840.
When was John Gabriel Perboyre canonized?
He was canonized on June 2, 1996, by Pope John Paul II.
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