1900 - Theodoricus Balat

July 9, 1900

Taiyuan, Shanxi

Theodoricus Balat. [CRBC]

Theodoricus Balat was born at St. Martin de Tours, France, on October 28, 1858. His parents were eager for their son to have the best Christian education available. At the age of 11 he entered the minor seminary at Lavour, “where he was noted for his docility, diligence and moral conduct.”[1] After being persuaded to join the Franciscan Order, he attended the major seminary at Albi, where one of the visiting priests spoke on the urgent necessity of foreign missions. This triggered something in Balat’s spirit and over a period of time he became convinced that God was calling him to become a missionary to China.

Theodoricus Balat arrived in China in October 1884. He travelled widely throughout Shanxi Province, preaching the gospel and encouraging believers. His zeal and holy lifestyle made him a favourite with Chinese Christians, and it seemed wherever he went the church grew. Bishop Grassi appreciated the many gifts Balat possessed and appointed him to many positions, including “that of teacher in the minor seminary, Master of Novices, promoter of the missions, chaplain to the Sisters…and chaplain to the orphanage. He worked at these duties even at times of persecution, saying when advised to flee: ‘My duty is to remain.’”[2]

When Balat and the other missionaries at Taiyuan were arrested in early July 1900, the Frenchman’s self-control and calm demeanour greatly assisted his colleagues. They emulated his example and accepted their martyrdom as a gift from God. On July 9th a Boxer sword tore Theodoricus Balat’s head from his neck. The much-loved missionary-priest became a martyr at the age of 41.