Franz Regis Clet was a French Catholic priest and missionary belonging to the Congregation of the Mission. Born in Grenoble in 1748, he later served in Paris and Annecy before volunteering for missionary work in China. After arriving in Macao, he worked extensively in provinces such as Jiangxi and Huguang. His efforts to spread the faith in East Asia eventually led to his arrest in 1819. He was executed in Wuchang in 1820, becoming one of the martyrs of China.
Life and mission
After joining the Vincentians in 1769, Clet witnessed religious unrest in Paris, which motivated his decision to serve in China. He spent years learning the local language and establishing Christian communities. Despite facing significant opposition and the destruction of settlements in Huguang, he continued his work. Following the discovery of correspondence that implicated him, he was arrested at age 71 and endured torture before his death.
Veneration
Clet was declared venerable in 1843 and beatified in 1900. He was canonized as a martyr saint by Pope John Paul II in 2000. The Catholic Church commemorates him on February 18, which marks the anniversary of his death by strangulation.