FRANCIS RÉGIS CLET ELEVATED TO THE RANKS
OF THE SAINTS.
Francis Régis Clet, during his whole life, quietly worked in the
Lord's vineyard and of his 72 years of life, the last 30 were spent
in China. China became his second home.
He deeply loved the Chinese
people and wanted to share Christ's Gospel with the Chinese.
At that time, however, the government would not permit him to
spread the gospel. He was declared a criminal, was captured,
and sentenced to death. In 1820 Father Francis Régis Clet died a fervent
martyr for the Lord.
One hundred years ago, he was placed on the list of the Blessed. Now, one hundred years later, God once again extols this loyal
and faithful servant, by letting him be raised to the rank of the Saints.
God, through the valiant deeds of the martyr Francis Régis Clet, attracted
St. John Gabriel Perboyre to come to China and follow in Francis Régis Clet's
footsteps.
This led him on the road to martyrdom, where he used his own blood
to witness to the Lord of the Gospel.
By October 1, of this year, both of these
martyrs will have been honored by elevation to Sainthood.
As we joyfully
celebrate this occasion, let us pray to these two martyrs, who stand before the
Lord's altar, for the suffering Chinese Church, so that the China Church will
soon be free to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.