The Saints: St. Francis-Regis Clet

1748-1820/ Feast - Feb. 17

Born in Grenoble, France, he joined the Lazarists at age 21, teaching theology and serving as novice-master before fulfilling his dream of becoming a missionary to the Far East. In 1791 he made his way to China’s interior, where he served for 30 years despite language and communications problems, a harsh climate and local rivalries. All foreign missionaries were targeted in the 1818 persecution. He evaded arrest for a while, but was imprisoned, tortured and strangled. His Feb. 17 martyrdom set the feast date for the Martyrs of China.      © 2007 CNS