59 - St. Mark Ji Tianxiang: Doctor, Martyr, Drug Addict

59 - St. Mark Ji Tianxiang: Doctor, Martyr, Drug Addict

Author: Dr Caitlin West October 10, 2023 Duration: 23:44

St. Mark Ji Tianxiang was a doctor who lived in the late 1800s, who was martyred for his faith during the Boxer Rebellion. He was also an opium addict who struggled with his addiction for 30 years, and was a drug addict at the time of his death.

St. Mark Ji is an example to anyone struggling with addiction, disorders, or mental illness.

⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2

Support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠!

Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠:https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/

References and further reading/listening/viewing:

An image of the statue of St. Mark Ji Tianxiang can be found here

Brian Fraga, "The life of St. Mark Ji Tianxiang: Persevering in faith despite addiction"

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, "St. Mark Ji Tianxiang (1834-1900)"

Aleteia, "He was an opium addict who couldn't receive the sacraments. But he's a martyr and a saint"

Catholic Answers, "Addict, Martyr, and Saint"

The Catholic Encyclopedia, "Martyr"

The Vatican, "Pope John Paul II's teaching on the Martyrs of our Century"

Catholic Answers, "Grace: What it Is and What it Does"

Fr. Richard Conlin, "St. Mark Ji Tianxiang"


For anyone curious about the foundations, traditions, and everyday implications of the Catholic faith, Crash Course Catholicism offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point. Hosted by theologian Dr Caitlin West, this podcast breaks down complex theological concepts, historical context, and Church teachings into clear, manageable conversations. Each fortnightly episode focuses on a specific topic-from the sacraments and scripture to moral philosophy and liturgical practice-providing listeners with a structured yet engaging overview. Dr West’s approach is both scholarly and welcoming, making centuries of tradition feel relevant and comprehensible. Whether you're a lifelong parishioner seeking a refresher, someone exploring spirituality, or simply a person with questions about the world's largest Christian denomination, this series is designed to inform without overwhelming. Tune in for a calm, considered journey through the pillars of Catholic thought, all delivered in short, easy-to-digest segments perfect for a daily commute or quiet moment of reflection. You can find more from Dr Caitlin West and the podcast at her website.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Crash Course Catholicism
Podcast Episodes
113 - Social, Political, and Economic Rights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
In this episode, we explore the human person's right to:Marriage and FamilyMeeting and associationWorkA just wagePrivate propertyHumane working conditionsMigrationPolitical activity and engagement.This podcast relies 100…
112 - Fundamental Human Rights (Life, Dignity, Equality, Freedom) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
In this episode, we explore every human person's right to:Life Bodily integrityDignityEqualityFreedom of speechTruthTranscendenceFreedom of ReligionMedical careEducationThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of liste…
111 - What are Human Rights? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
What are Human Rights? How are they different from other kinds of rights? Are Human Rights inherent, or are they a social construct?In this episode, we continue our exploration of Catholic Social Doctrine by considering…
110 - The Dimensions of the Human Person [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
We are made in the image of God, and this truth has profound implications for how we understand the human person. In this episode, we explore key dimensions of human personhood, including freedom, responsibility, the cap…
109 - Human Nature and Human Dignity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
The whole of Catholic social doctrine rests on the answer to the question: What is a human being?In this episode, we discuss human nature and human dignity. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What makes hu…
108 - The Biblical Roots of Social Doctrine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
Catholic social doctrine did not suddenly appear in the nineteenth century. Its roots reach back to the very foundations of Scripture.In this episode, we explore the biblical vision of social life: a world shaped by just…
107 - Introduction to Social Doctrine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:20
Happy New Year, friends! Welcome to the first episode on our next deep dive into the Social Doctrine of the Catholic church! This is an incredibly rich and important area of Catholic teaching that helps us to understand…
106 - St Nicholas: The Original Santa Claus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:01
What do we know about the life of St Nicholas of Myra? What is his relationship with the modern-day Santa Claus? Should Catholics tell their children that Santa exists?PLEASE NOTE: This entire episode is one giant spoile…
105 - St. John Henry Newman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
Cardinal St John Henry Newman is a Catholic saint who lived in the nineteenth century and was canonised in 2019. In November 2025, he was officially declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV. This is a title held b…
104 - Bible Questions Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:16
caitlinwest.comFINAL EPISODE OF THE DEEP DIVE LET'S GOOOOIn this episode, we consider common moral problems that people encounter when they read the Bible. Why does the God of the Old Testament seem so angry and cruel, w…