1951 - Martin Jiang

September 17, 1951

Guangxi

The year of 1951 was a dark one for Catholics in the southern province of Guangxi. The Communists targeted the church leadership, resulting in a string of heroic martyrdoms for the cause of Christ.

A 64-year-old priest, Martin Jiang (Chiang), who “had always been distinguished by his zeal and his self-abnegation,”[1] was arrested in April. He was detained under the pretext that he had given asylum to some ‘nationalist insurgents’. Jiang’s church had already been seized by the Communists and turned into a makeshift prison. The priest was added to the more-than 100 men being detained inside. The filthy, cramped conditions and the intense heat and humidity made the stay almost unbearable. Despite his surroundings, Jiang managed to lead 15 of his fellow prisoners to faith in Christ, and baptized them with water from the bathroom.

After three months of sleeping on the ground, Jiang’s health deteriorated and he fell gravely ill. He was released on bail and allowed to stay in his tiny house while the authorities decided what to do with him. God was ready for his servant to come home, however, and on September 17, 1951, Martin Jiang died from the exertion of his time in prison and went to be with his Heavenly Father.