Saints Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

On November 24, the Church commemorates Saints Andrew Dung-Lac, a Vietnamese priest, and his 116 companions who were martyred for their faith between the 17th and 19th centuries. This group includes bishops, priests, and laypeople, both Vietnamese and foreign missionaries, who stood firm in their Christian beliefs despite severe persecutions in Vietnam. Their unwavering commitment to Christ serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith under duress.

The feast day was established to honor these martyrs, who were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Their collective witness has inspired countless individuals to live their faith with courage and conviction. For families, this day offers an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by these saints and to draw strength from their example in our own spiritual journeys.

Christianity was introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries. Over the following centuries, the faith faced intense persecution, with an estimated 130,000 to 300,000 Christians martyred between 1625 and 1886. Among these were 117 individuals, including Saints Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions, who were executed for their steadfastness in the faith. Their stories have been preserved and honored by the Church, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for believers worldwide.

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, born Tran An Dung in 1795, was a diocesan priest who faced multiple arrests and tortures for his faith. He was executed in Hanoi on December 21, 1839. His life, along with those of his companions, highlights the profound sacrifices made by early Vietnamese Christians and underscores the deep roots of Catholicism in Vietnam.