Fathers among the ruins of Taiyuanfu

Ruins at Taiyuanfu

When we arrived to Taiyuanfu we found only ruins and we wandered with the Fathers among the rubble of the houses set on fire and destroyed. I photographed the remains of the Seminar, of the Mission, of the houses of Father Francesco Fogola and Monsignor Gregorio Grassi. Among the rubble of the destroyed houses were recovered dead bodies and objects of common use. Nothing sadder I ever saw in all my life.

July 9th, when we were still for sea, Yu-Hsien chinese viceroy of Province of Shansi ordered the execution, after a summary process, of the two pour bishops with three missionaries and seven Franciscans nuns of the order of the Servants of Maria, five seminarians and 9 serves of the mission. Were killed with them also European Protestants shepherds with their families. I admit that several news that the journals report are false or exaggerated but it's very sad to see with one's own eyes all these cruelties. I dont' know why kill women, children and old priests, it is not only cruel, it is useless.