These martyrs* (28 in all--14
Europeans and 14 Chinese) were executed in 1900 during the Boxer Uprising.
They are commemorated in the Franciscan calendar on July 8 under the title
"Blessed Gregory Grassi and Companions." There is a short writeup
on them in "Day by Day With Followers of Francis and Clare"
(Fr. Pat McKloskey, O.F.M.; St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1999) and a longer
writeup in "Franciscan Book of Saints" (Marion Habig; Franciscan
Herald Press, 1959)--listed under July 4.
Seven of these martyrs were members of the Franciscan Missionaries of
Mary, a sisters' community established in the late 19th century.
*Information courtesy of Father Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.; May, 2002;
