In the remote village of Oies, cradled by the Tyrolean mountains, Joseph Freinademetz was born on April 15, 1852. His family, though materially poor, was rich in faith and devotion. Weekly, his father would journey to a mountain shrine, praying with steadfast hope—a practice young Joseph would join, nurturing in him a deep spiritual foundation.
Guided by the encouragement of a parish priest, Joseph’s journey of faith led him to the diocesan city of Brixen, where he began his studies. By 23, he was ordained a priest, bringing the light of hope to his parish in the Gader Valley. Yet, even amidst this fulfilling ministry, Joseph felt a stirring in his heart—a call to bring the Gospel to those who had never heard it.
At 26, he answered this call and joined the newly established Society of the Divine Word. Leaving behind everything familiar, Joseph embarked on a missionary journey to China in 1879. Armed with zeal and anticipation, he set out to share the hope of Christ with a distant land. But the path ahead would challenge him in ways he never expected.
Joseph’s early days in the mission field were marked by struggle and disillusionment. Upon arriving in Hong Kong for training, he was left to fend for himself as his mentor traveled to distant mission stations. Alone and uncertain, Joseph faced a steep cultural divide. Viewing the Chinese people through a lens of European superiority, he treated them as blank slates in need of moral and spiritual enlightenment.
This approach was met with rejection. Few came to hear him preach, and many mocked him in the streets as a “foreign devil.” Joseph’s writings during this time revealed bitterness and a sense of hopelessness. He questioned his mission and even his ability to bring the Gospel to these people.
But Joseph’s story is ultimately one of hope—hope that transforms not only the world but also the heart of the one who carries it. In his darkest moments, Joseph turned to prayer and reflection, and in the silence, God began to reshape his heart.
Hope gave Joseph the strength to let go of his preconceived notions and embrace the people he had come to serve. He immersed himself in their culture, learning their language, dressing in their clothing, and honoring their customs. No longer did he see the Chinese people as “other.” Instead, he came to love and respect them as equals, recognizing the profound beauty in their culture and history.
This transformation was not easy. Joseph described it as “painful surgery,” a process that required humility, perseverance, and a deep trust in God’s plan. But hope sustained him, reminding him that he was a work in progress, and that God was molding him for his mission.
As Joseph’s attitude shifted, so did the hearts of the people he served. They began to see him not as an outsider, but as someone who truly cared. He presented Christ to them not as a foreign figure but as the fulfillment of their own deepest hopes. The Gospel he preached resonated, and many responded with joy and enthusiasm.
When Joseph took his final vows as a member of the Society of the Divine Word, he made a definitive choice: to dedicate himself entirely to the people of China. He resolved never to return to Europe, calling the Chinese his “dear people.” This commitment to his mission drew concern and even reproach from some of his superiors, but Joseph remained steadfast.
Joseph’s perseverance was fueled by theological hope—a hope that reorients priorities and focuses on what truly matters: God’s plan for eternal happiness. He came to understand that success in mission was not about outward achievements but about living Christ’s love and sharing it with others.
Through hope, Joseph overcame bitterness and despair. He saw the Chinese people not as objects of conversion but as fellow pilgrims on the journey to God. This hope gave him the courage to persevere, the humility to change, and the love to bridge cultural divides.
Saint Joseph Freinademetz’s life reminds us that true missionary work begins with a transformation of the heart. By allowing God’s hope to work within him, he became a beacon of light and love for those he served. His journey—from disillusionment to profound cultural harmony—stands as a testament to the power of hope to heal, unite, and renew the world.
[Based on the audio lecture on "The Power of Hope" by Fr. Philip G. Bochanski, C.O.]
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