© This article is an extract from Paul Hattaway's epic 656-page China’s Book of Martyrs, which profiles more than 1,000 Christian martyrs in China since AD 845, accompanied by over 500 photos. You can order this or many other China books and e-books here.
1900 - Mary Zhu Wu
July 20, 1900
Zhujiahe, Hebei
Mary Zhu Wu. [CRBC]
Mary Zhu Wu was born in Jing Xian, Hebei Province, in 1850. Her husband, Zhu Tianxuan, was widely respected as the Catholic leader of their village, and Mary was appreciated for her generous heart. One report says, “When the Boxer Rebellion began she remained quiet and undisturbed, advising everyone to trust God…. In helping the poor, she gave this duty priority in her service of God. All in all, she was an exemplary woman in the village, much revered by her neighbours.”[1]
Mary’s husband led the defence of Zhujiahe village, before dying in an accident. One source stated:
“The siege lasted three days, and the Christians with unbelievable courage fought from sunrise to sunset. Their commander was the village leader, Zhu Tianxuan, a military expert. Unfortunately, he was trying to use a gun captured from the enemy and it backfired, killing him outright.”[2]
When the Boxers attacked Zhujiahe village, Mary Zhu Wu stood up in front of the altar and tried to protect missionary Leon Mangin with her arms outstretched. She was shot dead. The great number of refugees who had crammed into the church were then burned to death by the callous Boxers.
1. CRBC, The Newly Canonized Martyr-Saints of China, 53.
2. CRBC, The Newly Canonized Martyr-Saints of China, 57.
