Biography
Mary An Linghua
About Mary An Linghua
Mary An Linghua was a Chinese Catholic from Anping, born around 1871.
The account compiled by Per Einar Odden identifies her as a catechist in the An family. She died with Anna An Xingshi, Mary An Guoshi and Anna An Jiaoshi after the four women refused demands to abandon their faith. They were arrested and killed outside their village on July 11, 1900.
A written Radio Veritas synopsis particularly remembers Linghua’s resolve and her encouragement of the three older women. It presents her faith as a source of strength during persecution. This is a later devotional remembrance; it does not supply a complete account of her teaching or private life.
The Institute of Sino-Christian Studies index distinguishes her as a virgin, rather than a member of a religious congregation. Her lay identity should not be replaced by an invented convent vocation.
John Paul II canonized her on October 1, 2000.
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