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“𝗜 𝗔𝗠 𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖. 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗬 𝗚𝗢𝗗. 𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗜𝗘.” Saint Anna Wang was born in Majiazhuang China. She lost her mother at the age of four, and was known as an exceptionally pious child who loved to read. She was a reverent Christian, always studying the Catechism and continually devoting herself to pious exercises. At the age of 10, she went against custom, vowing to stay always pure and consecrating her virginity to Christ. At age 11, her family promised her in marriage. In one of the first real signs of her devotion to Jesus, she held fast to her vows and refused the traditional marriage to the consternation of all around her. The Boxer Rebellion began in earnest, and Christianity was banned in China under penalty of death. In July 1900, the Boxers came to Saint Anna’s village. They captured all of the Christians and gave them an ultimatum: renounce your faith, or you will be killed. Saint Anna’s stepmother was terrified and she immediately gave in, earnestly entreating Anna to save herself and do the same. Anna, now fourteen, refused and was imprisoned with the other faithful. She led them in prayer throughout the night, and the next morning they were led to the execution ground. At the execution grounds, five mothers and their children were killed, including a baby who was cut in half and thrown onto his mother’s dead body. Amidst this horrifying carnage, Saint Anna knelt and led the remaining Christians in prayer. A Boxer with an ax became angry, he ran to Saint Anna and said “Renounce your faith and you shall live!” Saint Anna said ‘I am Catholic.I will never deny God. It is better for me to die’. The Boxer cut off a piece of her shoulder, again admonishing her to simply renounce her faith and live. Again Saint Anna refused. He raised his ax and cut off her entire left arm. Saint Anna held out her right arm and said ” The door to Heaven is open for all.” She whispered ” Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ” and extended her neck. The Boxer struck off her head. Many witnesses have come forward to share this account, and acknowledge her bravery, peace and trust in the Lord. Through an extremely difficult time, Anna continued to stay confident in our Lord, His love and His promise of eternal life. Her dedication and trust in God is something that truly inspired others. St. Anna was an incredible woman who lived her life with great commitment to God, serving both Him and those around her with love and compassion. In December, 2000, Anna was canonized among 120 Chinese men, women and children.