The Vietnamese Martyrs

Today is the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung Lac and his companions. It was during the 16th Century that the Gospel of Christ was first sown among the Vietnamese people and this seed grew through the blood of the martyrs. In the 17th, 18th, 19th Centuries, many Christians received the martyrs crown especially bishops, priests, religious men and women, and members of the laity. All of these suffered torments of various kinds for their Christian faith and fidelity to the cross of Christ, and bore witness to Christ's Church and true religion. Our beloved Holy Father, Venerable John Paul II on June 19, 1988, declared 117 martyrs to be among the ranks of the saints (Magnificat, 328). We look to these holy men and women and we ask their intercession as we continue our journey of faith. May we do what we can to live our faith to the fullest, stay close to the cross of Christ, and continue the mission of the Church entrusted to us. God Bless You!!!