[citation needed] Father Ferdinand Hamer was one of the first group of five missionary priests and brother from the congregation of Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae who went to Inner Mongolia in China from Belgium in 1865.

In July and August 1900 the Boxers reached the area where Bishop Hamer was working.

The Boxers took him to jail on 19 July, and four days later they subjected him to beatings, mockery, questioning, and torture.

That same day, 23 July, he was killed; three sticks were put together into a tripod, and an iron hook was placed at the top.

[citation needed] A cause for Hamer's beatification was opened, and along with a number of companions he was declared a Servant of God.