Catholic Saints

Andrew Dung-Lac was born in Tran An Dung, Vietnam in 1795.  He took the name of Andrew at his baptism, and was ordained a Priest on March 15^th, 1823.  During persecution in Vietnam, Andrew Dung changed his name to Lac, to avoid capture.  He is now memorialized as Andrew Dung-Lac.  His memorial along with that of his companions is November 24.  This memorial celebrates all of the Vietnamese Martyrs of the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries, covering the years from 1625 – 1886.  Andrew Dung-Lac like most of his companions was beheaded for his faith.  

Missionary efforts from various religious families beginning in the sixteenth century and continuing until 1866, allowed the Vietnamese people to hear the message of the Gospel.  Many accepted it despite persecution and even being put to death.  June 19, 1988, Pope Paul II canonized 117 persons martyred in the eighteenth century.  Among these were ninety-six Vietnamese.  These martyrs gave not only their lives for he Church, but for their country as well.  They showed that they wanted the Gospel of Christ to take root in their people, and contribute to the good of their homeland.  On June 1, 1989, these holy martyrs were inscribed in the liturgical calendar of the Universal Church on November 24^th.   

Practical Take Away 

St. Andrew Dung-Lac was an ordained Priest in Vietnam.  He and his companions lived through the times of persecution in their country.  They believed that the Gospel of Christ needed to be spread throughout Vietnam, and continued with this mission, even facing death themselves.  Eventually St. Andrew and his companions were captured and beheaded for their faith.  It is only by the heroic efforts of these great saints that Catholicism is alive today in Vietnam.  Where would our faith be, if these great saints had not risked their lives to spread the Gospel?  Pope John Paul II canonized St. Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions on June 19, 1988.