Martyr of Vietnam
📍 Born: 1796, Nam Dinh, Vietnam
✝️ Martyred: 5 September 1838, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
⚔️ Persecuted under Emperor Minh Mang (Nguyen Dynasty)
🙏 Venerated in: Roman Catholic Church
🌟 Beatified: 27 May 1900 by Pope Leo XIII
🌟 Canonized: 19 June 1988, Rome by Pope John Paul II
⛪ Major shrine: Ninh Cuong Church
🕊️ Feast: 5 September
Attributes: Cross, statue of suffering
Patronage: Saint Peter, Vietnamese faithful
“Faithful to Christ, he gave his life as a witness of love and truth.”
For 12 years, Father Tự served in parishes across the Diocese of Bùi Chu, including Kẻ Mốt, where he nurtured the faith through teaching, sacraments, and guidance. The 1832 edict under Emperor Minh Mạng forced him into hiding for six years, yet he continued ministering secretly, often at great risk. In June 1838, soldiers raided Kẻ Mốt village, confiscating religious items and torturing locals. A betrayed hiding spot led to his arrest on June 29, 1838, alongside catechist Bùi Văn Úy.
Imprisoned in Bắc Ninh, Father Tự boldly preached during interrogations and refused to trample a crucifix on August 9, 1838, affirming his faith. Sentenced to death, he prepared with prayer, confessing to a fellow priest and receiving Holy Communion. On September 5, 1838, at age 42, he was beheaded at Cổ Mễ execution grounds alongside Saint Joseph Hoàng Lương Cảnh. His body was buried at Nghĩa Vũ parish, with relics now at Trung Lại church in Bắc Giang province.
Beatified on May 27, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII and canonized on June 19, 1988, by Pope John Paul II as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs, his feast is September 5. His life exemplifies steadfast ministry in adversity.
Saint Peter Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, or Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Hiếu (Peter Hieu Van Nguyen), was a lay catechist whose gentle zeal and endurance marked his path to martyrdom. Born in 1783 in Đông Chuối village, Ninh Bình province, Tonkin, he was received into the House of God and ordained as a catechist. He served alongside Father Khoan in Phúc Nhạc parish, encouraging the faithful to receive sacraments like the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick.
On August 24, 1837, during Minh Mạng's persecution, he was arrested in Đông Biên with Father Khoan and Catechist Thanh. Imprisoned in Ninh Bình, Hiếu endured severe tortures, refusing to trample the cross despite threats and enticements. Separated from Father Khoan, he supported Catechist Thanh through beatings, lifting his feet to avoid desecrating a Redeemer statue when forced.
Sentenced to imprisonment twice, Hiếu fasted on Fridays and prayed for martyrdom, urging visitors to persevere in faith. His second sentence was death. The night before execution, he prayed all night. On April 28, 1840, at Canh Điếu mountain, he sang hymns en route and was bound to a stake before beheading.
His remains were buried in Yên Mới village (now Gia Lạc parish, Phát Diệm diocese). Beatified on May 27, 1900, and canonized on June 19, 1988, his story inspires lay commitment to faith.
Saint Peter Nguyễn Văn Lựu, known as Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Lựu or Pietro Nguyen Van Luu, was a priest whose kindness shone through persecution. Born in 1812 (or 1816) in a Christian family near Saigon (Sài Gòn), Cochinchina (southern Vietnam), he was orphaned young and raised by his uncle, Father Than. In 1831, he studied at College General in Penang, Malaysia, under Bishop Lefebvre, overcoming his small stature with determination. Ordained in 1851, he served in the Apostolic Vicariate of West Cochinchina, pastoring parishes like Mặc Bắc, Sa Đéc, Mỹ Tho, and Bà Giồng.
During Tự Đức's 1858-1862 persecution, Father Lựu disguised himself to visit imprisoned Catholics, administering sacraments. Arrested in December 1860 (or 1859) while entering a prison, he refused to renounce faith, declaring, "If a simple Christian cannot deny it, how much more a Catholic priest!" Imprisoned, he shared food, encouraged others, and prayed the rosary.
Beheaded on April 7, 1861, in Mỹ Tho, his body was buried locally, later reburied in Vĩnh Tường Church. Beatified on May 2, 1909 (or 1900 in some sources), by Pope Pius X and canonized in 1988, his feast marks his death. In 2021, his 160th anniversary was celebrated at Bà Giồng Pilgrimage Center with Masses and processions.
Saint Peter Nguyễn Văn Vinh, or Stephanô Nguyễn Văn Vinh, was a humble lay catechist whose simple life ended in heroic martyrdom. Born in 1814 in Phú Trang village, Nam Định province, Tonkin, he was a devout peasant and Dominican tertiary.
Amid Minh Mạng's persecution, Vinh sheltered missionaries, leading to his arrest. On December 19, 1839, in Cổ Mê, Tonkin, he was strangled with four companions, including Thomas Đệ, for aiding the faith.
Beatified in 1900 and canonized in 1988, his story underscores the valor of ordinary believers.
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