Padre Eugenio Massi

Eugenio Federico Massi was born in Monteprandone on 13th August 1875. He was a catholic missionary in China between 1903 and 1944, when he died in an air raid on the city of Hankow. He arrived in China during the Boxers’ persecution of christians.  In 1910, Pope Pio IX appointed him Bishop and Vicars Apostolic of Northern Shansi. He built churches, hospitals, orphanages, aqueducts, schools. Chinese authorities too have always considered him a man of peace and justice. During the communist revolution, Bishop Eugenio Massi managed to keep open his schools and hospitals. When Japan invaded China, he managed to create a neutral area where the refugees could find shelter. In the Second World War, he was a reference point for the civil populations of Hankow, protecting not only the christian people. When he died in an air raid, the entire population (including non-Christian) partecipated in the mourning for his death.

 More info on

http://www.associazioneeugeniomassi.it/Documenti/Vita_Eugenio_Massi.pdf  (Italian language)