Faith beyond chains: the story of Andrew Dung-Lac and the Vietnamese Martyrs 

The sacrifice of 117 Vietnamese Christians, canonized in 1988

Andrew Dung-Lac was born around 1795 into a humble family. He is one of the most significant figures in Vietnamese Catholicism, having grown in faith thanks to the support of catechists and priests who enabled him to study and, in 1823, to become a priest.

His ministry unfolded in a context marked by severe religious persecution. To protect himself, he changed his name and place of residence several times, yet he never stopped preaching, administering the sacraments, and supporting Christian communities often forced into hiding. Arrested in 1839 together with the priest Peter Thi, he endured torture and pressure to renounce his faith. He remained steadfast in his commitment and was beheaded in Hanoi on 21st December of the same year, sealing his Christian witness with an act of courage and fidelity to the Gospel. 

The roots of Catholicism in Vietnam 

The Christian presence in Vietnam dates back to the 16th century with the arrival of the Jesuit Alexandre de Rhodes, considered the first great apostle of the country. His teaching contributed to the spread of the Gospel in a land then divided into multiple political regions. 

Beginning in 1645, de Rhodes’ expulsion marked the start of a long period of persecution. Local authorities introduced harsh measures: monetary rewards for anyone who denounced a missionary, branding with hot irons for catechists, and executions for priests. Ordinary believers were forced to trample a cross in order to save their lives; those who refused were deported or killed. 

In this climate, resilient Christian communities were born and grew: Houses of God and training centers that prepared generations of Vietnamese catechists and priests, keeping the faith alive despite violence and oppression. 

The story of the 117 Vietnamese martyrs 

The story of the Vietnamese martyrs is one of the most powerful chapters in Asian Catholicism. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, thousands of Christians faced persecution, and 117 of them – priests, catechists, religious, lay men and women, young and old – are today honored by the Church as witnesses of unwavering faith. 

Among them, Andrew Dung-Lac is the most well-known figure. Arrested multiple times, he regained his freedom on some occasions thanks to ransoms paid by the faithful. In 1839, during his imprisonment with Peter Thi, he maintained an attitude of serenity and prayer despite the torture. Testimonies recount that when the death sentence was announced, the two priests prayed silently and sang in Latin. 

Just moments before the execution, the executioner said: “We do not know what crime you are accused of; we are simply following orders. Please do not hold it against us.” 

Father Andrew replied with a smile: “Do only what the official has instructed you to do.” 

On 19th June 1988, Pope John Paul II solemnly canonized Andrew Dung-Lac and his 116 companions, recognizing them as saints of the universal Church. Their liturgical memorial is celebrated on 24th November. 

A testimony that transcends centuries 

The story of the Vietnamese martyrs is not only a historical account: it has become a symbol of religious freedom, fidelity to one’s values and the enduring strength of Christian faith in the face of the harshest persecution. Their courage continues to inspire Catholic communities around the world, reminding us that hope can take root even in the most challenging circumstances.