⛪ Saint Joseph Hoang Luong Canh: A Vietnamese Martyr’s Journey of Faith

Joseph Hoang Luong Canh was born around 1763 in the village of Van (also known as Làng Ván or Ngàn Vân), in Bac Giang, Vietnam, during the reign of Lord Trịnh Doanh. Little is known about his early years or family, as historical records from 18th-century Vietnam are limited. Growing up in a predominantly Catholic community, Joseph was likely exposed to Christian teachings from a young age, shaping his deep faith and commitment to serving others.

Living in the village of Thổ Hà (now part of Bắc Giang province), Joseph became known for his kindness and generosity. As a skilled physician, or “lang y,” he dedicated himself to healing the sick, often treating the poor without charge. His medical expertise, combined with his compassionate heart, earned him the respect and love of his community, setting the stage for his profound spiritual journey.

A Life of Faith and Ministry

Joseph was a lifelong layman in the apostolic vicariate of East Tonkin, choosing not to pursue priesthood but to serve God through active ministry. He joined the Dominican Third Order, a lay association tied to the Dominican friars, which deepened his spiritual life through prayer, service, and commitment to the Gospel. As a catechist, he passionately taught the Catholic faith, sharing its teachings with both adults and children. One of his most significant contributions was baptizing those in critical need, especially infants facing death, ensuring their spiritual salvation.

Elected as the “trùm họ” (lay leader) of the Thổ Hà parish, Joseph took on a leadership role within his local church community. His responsibilities included organizing worship, supporting the faithful, and spreading the Gospel, even in a time when Christianity faced growing hostility in Vietnam under the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, who viewed the faith as a threat to Confucian traditions.

Persecution and Martyrdom

In the early 19th century, Vietnam experienced intense persecution of Christians under Emperor Minh Mạng’s regime. Catholics were branded as followers of a “sinister religion” and faced imprisonment, torture, and execution for their beliefs. Despite these dangers, Joseph remained steadfast, continuing his work as a physician and catechist.

In July 1838, while military forces were rounding up Christians in Thổ Hà, Joseph was called to treat a sick child and administer baptism. Knowing the risks, he courageously went to help but was discovered by soldiers at the Thổ Hà ferry. Accused of hiding religious items and sheltering priests, he was arrested, shackled, and imprisoned in Bắc Ninh alongside other Catholics, including Father Peter Nguyễn Văn Tự, Father Dominic Uy, and several lay faithful.

During his imprisonment, Joseph faced intense pressure to renounce his faith. Authorities repeatedly demanded that he step on a crucifix, a symbolic act of apostasy. Instead, Joseph knelt before the crucifix, kissed it, and prayed aloud, reciting prayers like the Prayer to the Holy Spirit and the Prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus. When questioned about his prayers for the emperor who persecuted him, Joseph calmly explained the Christian call to love and pray for all, even enemies, leaving officials astonished. His courage inspired those around him, though some fellow prisoners succumbed to fear and renounced their faith.

On September 5, 1838, at the age of about 75, Joseph was sentenced to death by beheading at the Cổ Mễ execution ground, near Bắc Ninh. Clad in his Dominican tertiary habit and clutching a small crucifix, he walked to the execution site with Father Peter Nguyễn Văn Tự, both praying silently. Joseph’s final moments were marked by serene faith, and he was martyred for refusing to abandon his beliefs. His body was initially buried at the execution site, but two days later, non-Christians exhumed it and sold it to Thổ Hà Catholics for 36 quan. The faithful brought his remains to the parish church for burial, and today, his relics are preserved at the Hương La church in the Tử Nê parish, Diocese of Bắc Ninh.

Canonization and Legacy

Joseph Hoang Luong Canh’s martyrdom was recognized by the Catholic Church as a powerful witness to faith. On July 2, 1899, Pope Leo XIII declared him a martyr. He was beatified on May 27, 1900, by the same pope, and on June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized him as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs, a group that includes clergy, religious, and laypeople who died for their faith between 1745 and 1862. His feast day is celebrated on September 5, as well as collectively with the Martyrs of Vietnam on November 24.

Joseph’s life left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church in Vietnam. His relics at Hương La remain a site of pilgrimage, and his story inspires Vietnamese Catholics and others worldwide to live their faith boldly, even in the face of persecution. As a physician, catechist, and Dominican tertiary, he embodied the call to serve others with love and courage.

Saint Joseph Hoang Luong Canh’s story resonates in a world where faith and conviction are sometimes tested. His selfless service as a healer reminds us to use our skills to help those in need, especially the marginalized. His courage in the face of persecution challenges us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it’s difficult. And his prayers for his persecutors inspire us to practice forgiveness and love, no matter the circumstances.

For modern readers, Joseph’s life is a call to action: to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and hold fast to faith in challenging times. His example encourages us to find ways to share our gifts, whether through teaching, healing, or simple acts of kindness, making a difference in our communities.

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