1866 - Jean Muller & Several Chinese Catholics

April 24, 1866

Xingyi, Guizhou

Jean Nicolas Victor Muller was a native of Schweighausen in the Lower Rhine region of Germany. Born on April 14, 1830, Muller spoke fluent French and attended the minor seminary at Saint Lucien, where he became a much-loved member of the local diocese. A few months after his 24th birthday Muller entered the seminary of the Missions Etrangères de Paris, after receiving a call to become a foreign missionary. He was ordained a priest in May 1856, and departed for China the following June 1st.

Jean Muller was appointed to Guizhou Province, where missionaries had experienced success and martyrdom. On the way from Hong Kong to Guizhou he was arrested, however, and forced to turn back. A ransom of 200 Chinese dollars was paid to secure his release. A second attempt was made with another missionary, but they were stopped while passing through Guangxi. Finally, exhausted from the ordeal, Muller arrived in Guizhou in 1858.

In 1860 Muller was given charge of the district of Guiyang, the capital of the province. The district of Zunyi was added to his apostolate the following year. A serious increase in banditry occurred throughout southern China, but in May 1864 Muller was determined to establish a new mission base in the town of Qianxi. A number of locals embraced the message and were baptized, and a medical dispensary was opened. Muller and his coworkers were constructing a church when rebels raided the town. Muller managed to escape with his life, and went back to Guiyang where he continued the work.

In 1865 Muller was called to go to Xingyi, in southwest Guizhou. There had been several uprisings by the local Hui Muslims, in response to Chinese oppression. While at Xingyi the Muslims attacked the city. Jean Muller and several Chinese Christians were captured and held for ransom. When no payment was forthcoming they slaughtered Muller and his colleagues on April 24, 1866.