Saint of the Month for November:

Saint Peter Wu

 

Memorial: November 7

 

Also known as: Saint Peter Ou

 

Profile: Wu Gousheng was born to a non-Christian family. He was known from his youth for his sense of justice and his quick defense of the poor and oppressed. His outspoken nature actually frightened people in his traditionalist region. He was a husband and self-made businessman, and he owned and ran a large hotel. Wu was one of the first converts made by missionaries to his area. Naturally enthusiastic, he tossed out his household idols and preached Christianity to anyone who came by. He took the name Peter at baptism and became a lay leader of the new Christians in his district. He worked as a catechist for missionaries in Sichuan, instructing 600 people in Christianity. Peter was arrested on April 3, 1814 during a violent backlash against the faith. While he was imprisoned and tortured to break him from his faith, he worked to inspire the faith in his fellow prisoners by leading prayer services in the cells. He was condemned to death for refusing to step on a crucifix. Peter Ou is one of the Martyrs of China.

 

Born: In 1768 at Longping in Guizhou Province, China

 

Died: Martyred November 7, 1814 at Tsen-y-Fou, Su-Tchuen province, China

 

Canonized: October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II

 

Prayer to Saint Peter Wu:

St. Peter Wu, you held steadfast to your faith even though you knew that you would die for your beliefs. Help us to find the courage to boldly proclaim our commitment to Christ Jesus and to share his message with others as you did. Help us to generously support the work of missionaries who preach the Gospel in lands hostile to Christianity, so that more souls will be brought to God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Saint Peter Wu, pray for us.

 

 Quote:

“Be loyal to the Lord,

accept his will”.
-Saint Peter Wu

(in a letter to his wife from prison)