Joseph Zhang Dapeng was a Chinese silk-maker and Catholic martyr who lived from 1754 to 1815. Born in Duyun, he was originally raised as a Buddhist before converting to Christianity later in life. After undergoing baptism at age 46, he dedicated himself to preaching the faith, teaching at a Catholic school, and assisting the poor and orphaned. His commitment to his religious beliefs eventually led to his arrest and execution by Qing dynasty officials during a period of intense anti-Christian persecution.
Life and faith
To embrace Catholicism, Zhang Dapeng made significant personal sacrifices, including providing a dowry for his concubine so she could marry another man, thereby adhering to the requirement of monogamy. Following his conversion, he lived on a busy street to facilitate his preaching. Despite false accusations of belonging to a prohibited society, he remained steadfast. He was eventually captured after being betrayed by a relative and refused to renounce his faith even when offered large sums of money.
Death and veneration
Zhang Dapeng was executed by strangulation while tied to a T-shaped crucifix. Following his death, a severe storm occurred, which observers viewed as a significant omen. He was beatified in 1909 and later canonized as a saint in 2000. In the period following his martyrdom, believers visited his grave to gather plants, which were believed to possess medicinal healing properties. He is commemorated on July 9.