Mark Ki-T'ien-Siang

Mark Ji Tianxiang was a Chinese lay Catholic and doctor. He was martyred during the Boxer Rebellion and had been an opium addict. He was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Early life and career Ji was born in Jizhou District, Hengshui, Zhili (now Hebei), China in 1834. He was a medical doctor and contracted a violent stomach ailment, for which he treated himself with opium. This was a routine treatment at the time, but he became addicted to the drug at a time when addiction was considered shameful and gravely scandalous. He was a pious Catholic, frequenting the sacrament of Confession and spending time in prayer, attending Mass, and providing free treatment to his patients. Despite his frequent confessions, he was denied Absolution by his confessor and consequently could not receive the Blessed Sacrament because his confessor believed he lacked contrition for his addiction. He did not receive the Blessed Sacrament for 30 years, but finally after 30 years of being a faithful and regular church-goer, he was able to receive the sacraments. , so that they would not have to die alone. Ji did not renounce his Catholic faith and hence was beheaded.