Joseph Freinademetz

Joseph Freinademetz (1852–1908) was a Ladin Catholic priest and a dedicated missionary of the Society of the Divine Word who spent his life serving in China. Born in Oies, Badia, then part of the Austrian Empire, Freinademetz felt a strong calling to missionary work from an early age. After his ordination in 1875, he eventually joined the Society of the Divine Word, founded by Arnold Janssen, and embarked on his mission to China in 1879.

Missionary Work in China

Freinademetz's missionary efforts were primarily focused on the southern region of Shandong Province. Upon his arrival, the province had a large population with a relatively small number of baptized Christians. He committed himself to the education of both Chinese laypeople and aspiring priests, recognizing the importance of local leadership in building the Church. A significant contribution was his creation of a catechism written in Chinese, which he viewed as an essential tool for evangelization.

Later Life and Death

Despite suffering from laryngitis and tuberculosis in 1898, Freinademetz continued his work, even taking on administrative duties for the diocese when Bishop Anzer was away. During an outbreak of typhus, he tirelessly assisted the sick until he himself became infected. He succumbed to the disease in Daijiazhuang and was buried there. His spiritual writings were recognized for their value, and his cause for sainthood was formally opened after his death. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 5, 2003, alongside Arnold Janssen and Daniele Comboni. Today, the St. Joseph Freinademetz German National Parish in Beijing is under his patronage.