January 28
Joseph Freinademetz (1852–1908)
missionary priest
Verbite priest and missionary in China, José Freinademetz learned to deeply love the people to whom he was sent.
Biography
Born in the Dolomites, he left his parish to collaborate with Saint Arnold Janssen and arrived in Shandong in 1879. He studied the language and customs, formed catechists and communities, and ensured that the Church acquired a truly Chinese face. In the midst of persecutions and difficult journeys he remained close to the people. He died of typhus after caring for the sick during an epidemic.
Practical advice
Listen carefully today to a custom that is foreign to yours and seek to understand it before judging it.
Example of
Missionary zealEvangelizationPriestly life