Peter Zhang Banniu was a 19th-century Catholic friar born in Shanxi, China. After moving to Taiyuan to work at a local cathedral, he became a member of the Franciscan order. During the period of intense anti-Christian sentiment known as the Boxer Rebellion, he was arrested by order of the provincial governor. He was executed alongside a large group of fellow Christians, including bishops, priests, and nuns, on July 9, 1900.
Life and death
Born into a Catholic family in 1850, Zhang Banniu spent his early years in Tulin before settling in Taiyuan. His religious service was interrupted by the violent uprisings occurring across China at the turn of the century. In July 1900, he was detained with various clergy and laypeople during a period of widespread persecution. He was ultimately put to death on July 9, 1900, in Taiyuan.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes him as a saint. He was beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1946 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 as part of a group of 120 Chinese martyrs. His feast day is observed annually on July 9.