St. John Gabriel Perboyre
Vincentian Priest and Martyr of China
Feast Day: September 11
Biography
St. John Gabriel Perboyre (1802–1840) was born on January 6, 1802, at Le Puech, near Montgesty, in southwestern France. Following an uncle, he entered the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentians founded by St. Vincent de Paul, and was ordained a priest in 1826. For several years he taught in seminaries and trained novices in Paris, but he longed to serve in the missions, especially after his younger brother, also a Vincentian, died on his way to China. In 1835 John Gabriel sailed for China, where Christianity was then forbidden. After arriving at Macau, he worked in the provinces of Henan and Hubei, traveling secretly among small Christian communities to celebrate the sacraments and teach the faith. In September 1839 a new persecution broke out, and he was betrayed by a man he had been instructing and arrested. For about a year he was held in prison and repeatedly interrogated and mistreated, but he would not renounce Christ or reveal his fellow Christians. On September 11, 1840, he was executed at Wuchang, bound to a wooden cross. Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1889, and Pope St. John Paul II canonized him on June 2, 1996.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. John Gabriel, you left your homeland to bring Christ to the people of China and followed Him even to the Cross. Pray for the Church in China and for all Christians who suffer for their faith. When I am betrayed or treated unjustly, help me to forgive, to remain faithful, and to trust in God. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. John Gabriel Perboyre, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. John Gabriel Perboyre, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.