Giovanni da Triora was an Italian Franciscan priest and missionary who lived from 1760 to 1816. Born Francesco Maria Lantrua in Molini di Triora, he joined the Franciscan Order in Rome and later served as a theology teacher. In 1799, he traveled to China, where he embraced local customs and clothing. He dedicated his life to missionary work in provinces such as Shaanxi and Hunan before facing execution during a period of religious persecution.
Life and mission
After his ordination in 1784, Giovanni held various responsibilities within Italian convents. His missionary journey began in Macao, where he studied the Chinese language and integrated into the local culture. He eventually moved to Hunan to continue his religious work. In 1815, he was imprisoned during the persecutions under the Jiaqing Emperor. Following torture and refusal to renounce his faith, he was executed by strangulation in Changsha in 1816.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes him as a saint. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1900 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000, alongside other Chinese martyrs. His feast days are observed on February 7 and July 9.