Biography

Joachim Enjobert de Martiliat, born in 1706 in Clermont-Ferrand, hailed from the nobility of the robe and was raised in fervent Christianity, inspiring his missionary vocation. After studying theology in Paris, he entered the Seminary of Foreign Missions in 1727. Departing for the East without specific training, he spent two years in Canton learning the Chinese language and culture before being ordained a priest in Siam in 1731. His primary mission took place in Sichuan, where he faced numerous administrative and political difficulties. In 1739, Martiliat was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Yunnan, but he was unable to enter the region.

Martiliat strove to build a local Church, training Chinese priests and creating a network of catechists despite persecutions and limited resources. In 1746, he left Sichuan due to persecutions and took refuge in Macau, then returned to Europe in 1747.

Back in France, Martiliat attempted to resolve internal conflicts within the Foreign Missions. From 1752 in Rome, he acted as a counselor for the Propaganda, defending the interests of the Foreign Missions against Portuguese claims. He died in 1755 in Rome, leaving a lasting legacy in the Christian mission in China, though he was quickly forgotten in Europe.

Torchebœuf, Marie-Alpais, “Œuvrer à la propagation de la foi en Chine et à Rome. Joachim Enjobert de Martiliat (1706-1755). Illustration d’une vie de missionnaire”, 2012, Ecole nationale des chartes. Consulté le 12 juin 2024.