Feast of St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

Reflection Date: July 09, 2026 | Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Daily Readings: Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9; Matthew 10:7-15

Children of God:
July 9 is the feast day of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and companions.

His 119 companions were a diverse group of 87 Chinese Catholics and 33 Western missionaries. 

Martyred between 1648 and 1930, they were canonized together by Pope John Paul II in 2000. 

The 119 companions represent a wide cross-section of the Church's history in China. 

This group includes: Diocesan priests, religious missionaries (Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, Salesians), lay catechists, and everyday believers. 

As to the age range: this 199 companions ranged from young children (the youngest was 9 years old) to elderly grandparents.

Now, let us zoom in to Saint Augustine Zhao Rong.

He once served as a Chinese soldier assigned to guard a Catholic bishop who was imprisoned because of his faith. 

While accompanying the bishop during captivity, Augustine became deeply moved by the bishop’s peace, courage, and unwavering trust in God. 

Instead of becoming hardened against Christianity, he grew curious and eventually embraced the Catholic faith himself. 

After his conversion, he studied diligently and later became one of the first native Chinese diocesan priests. 

During a time of intense persecution against Christians in China, Augustine continued preaching and serving despite serious dangers. 

He knew that arrest, torture, and death could come at any moment. 

Alongside him were many companions, including priests, religious sisters, parents, and even children who also refused to abandon their faith. 

These martyrs came from different backgrounds and social classes, yet they shared the same courage and devotion to Christ. 

Many suffered imprisonment and brutal executions because they continued proclaiming the Gospel during difficult times. 

Their witness reminded the Church that faith sometimes demanded sacrifice, perseverance, and complete trust in God.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus sent His disciples out on mission with simple instructions. 

He told them to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was near and to bring healing, peace, and hope to others. 

Jesus also instructed them not to depend heavily on material possessions or worldly security during their mission. 

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Matthew 10:8).

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Jesus reminds us to trust God more deeply.

The disciples traveled without many possessions because Jesus wanted them to rely on God’s providence and the kindness of others. 

Their mission demanded courage because uncertainty and rejection could easily discourage them. 

Yet Jesus still sent them out confidently because He believed that faith matured through trust and dependence on God.

Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions lived this trust in extraordinary ways. 

They continued serving even during dangerous persecutions because they believed Christ was worth more than comfort and safety. 

Their courage did not come from human strength alone. 

It came from their deep conviction that God remained faithful even during suffering and uncertainty.

Many people today also struggled with fear about the future, finances, relationships, and security. 

Society constantly encouraged people to rely only on money, status, or personal control. 

Yet the gospel reminds us that lasting peace could never come solely from material stability. 

Jesus reminds us to trust God more deeply.

Second, simple acts of goodness are powerful forms of mission.

Jesus did not ask His disciples to become celebrities or powerful rulers. 

He asked them to heal the sick, comfort people, and bring peace into homes and communities. 

Their mission centered on compassion, generosity, and presence. 

“As you enter a house, wish it peace.” (Matthew 10:12). 

Christ showed that small acts of love carry deep spiritual meaning.

Many people today assumed that mission belonged only to priests, missionaries, or church leaders. 

Yet every Christian carried the responsibility to bring hope, peace, and compassion into daily life. 

A kind conversation, patient listening, forgiveness, or helping someone in need could become a powerful witness to God’s love. 

Simple acts of goodness are powerful forms of mission.

As we reflect today, do we place our trust mainly in worldly securities, or do we allow God to guide our lives with greater confidence? 

Do we use our gifts and opportunities to bring peace, kindness, and encouragement to others? Do we remain faithful to Christ even when living the Gospel becomes difficult or unpopular?

Children of God:
The lives of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions remind us that faith sometimes required courage and sacrifice. 

Many people today carried heavy anxieties because they tried controlling everything alone. 

Yet Jesus continued inviting people to trust Him more deeply and live generously. 

Mission does not always require grand achievements because even simple acts of compassion carried great meaning in God’s eyes. 

May we learn to travel through life with hearts rooted more in faith than in fear.