Shem M.

Casimiro GROUP 37 EDM 1 T TH 7:30-9:00AM

Joseph Freinademetz: The Pearl of Diocese of Brixen

REACTION PAPER

Joseph Freinademetz, born on April 15, 1852, in the tiny village of Oies, located among the
breathtaking Dolomite Alps of northern Italy, was destined for a life of great significance. His
upbringing was marked by his family's basic yet unshakeable faith, which laid the groundwork for
the incredible voyage that was ahead.

As Joseph continued his theological studies at the diocesan seminary of Bressanone (Brixen), a
higher calling began to summon him. Contemplating a life dedicated to foreign missions, he felt
a stirring within his soul, resonating with the thought of serving beyond boundaries and touching
souls in other nations. On July 25, 1875, he was ordained as a priest and quickly became well-
liked in the Saint Martin community near his house, captivating hearts with his unshakeable
dedication and limitless compassion. However, the call to missionary service continued,
whispering an urgent plea into Joseph's heart. Joseph contacted Fr. after only two years as a
priest. Arnold Janssen was the visionary creator of what became the Society of the Divine Word.
With his bishop's blessing, Joseph set out, passing familiar thresholds and going on a
transformative journey that would leave an indelible impression on his life.

In March 1879, Joseph got his mission cross, signaling the start of a life-changing journey to China
with Fr. John Baptist Anzer is another ardent Divine Word Missionary. Their destination was South
Shantung, a province with an astonishing population of 12 million people, compared to just 158
Christians. The years that followed were filled with difficult trials, including risky trips through
treacherous terrain, confrontations with armed bandits, and the daunting task of sowing Christian
seeds in uncharted territory. Joseph's dedication went beyond just proclaiming his faith; he
acknowledged the critical role of local leadership in the spread of the Gospel. Thus, he made
enormous efforts to train and empower catechists and priests, even creating a catechetical
textbook in Chinese. His immersion in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, language, and
traditions won him over the hearts of people he served, demonstrating his deep desire to fully
integrate into their society.

Despite facing persistent adversity and suffering several health setbacks, Joseph's determination
remained unwavering. In 1898, plagued by laryngitis and early signs of TB as a result of his
exhausting labors and various sufferings, he sought refuge in Japan before returning to China, still
fragile but determined in his objective. When the bishop's duties took him away from China in
1907, Joseph accepted the added burden of governing the diocese, demonstrating his
unshakeable loyalty. During a terrifying typhus outbreak, Joseph's compassion had no bounds as
he tirelessly cared for the sick, bringing comfort and support wherever needed. Tragically, he also
succumbed to the sickness, dying on January 28, 1908, in Taikia, the diocese's center, leaving a
legacy of selfless devotion and strong faith.
Joseph Freinademetz, known as the "Pearl of the Diocese of Brixen," exemplified missionary
devotion. His deep love for China, relentless attempts to develop local leadership, and selfless
dedication to serving others continue to resonate across generations, encouraging us to embrace
the attitude of compassion and selflessness that distinguished his incredible path. In honoring his
life, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and the long-lasting impact of one
person's unrelenting commitment to the development of humanity.