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Andrew Dũng-Lạc

Andrew Dũng-Lạc was a Vietnamese Roman Catholic priest executed by beheading in 1839 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng. He is recognized as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988.

Feast Day
November 24
Country Or Region
Vietnam

Key Facts

  • Andrew Dũng-LạC was born circa 1795 in the ĐạI VIệt empire, now Vietnam.
  • He was ordained a priest on March 15, 1823.
  • Christians faced severe persecution under Emperor Minh Mạng, who banned foreign missionaries and demanded renunciation of faith.
  • Dũng LạC was arrested in 1835 and again in 1839, when he was tortured and beheaded.
  • He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988, alongside 116 companions.
  • His memorial is on November 24, celebrating all Vietnamese Martyrs of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Also Known As

Andrew Trần An Dũng-Lạc, Anrê Trần An Dũng Lạc, Trần An Dũng

Birth Year
c. 1795
Death Year
1839
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Canonized By
Pope John Paul II
Canonization Year
1988

About Andrew Dũng-Lạc

Andrew Dũng-Lạc, born Trần An Dũng around 1795 in the Đại Việt empire (modern-day Vietnam), was a Vietnamese Roman Catholic priest who became a martyr for his faith. His life and death are emblematic of the severe persecution faced by Christians in Vietnam during the 19th century.

Life and Ministry

Born into a poor family in the province of Bắc Ninh, Andrew Trần An Dũng relocated to Hanoi at age twelve. There, he encountered a Catholic catechist who provided him with shelter and instruction in the Christian faith, leading to his baptism and the adoption of the name Andrew. He was ordained a priest on March 15, 1823. His dedicated preaching and humble life attracted many converts, but this occurred during a time of intense religious oppression under Emperor Minh Mạng. The Emperor banned foreign missionaries in 1832 and demanded public renunciation of faith.

Persecution and Martyrdom

Andrew Dũng-Lạc was arrested in 1835 but was ransomed by his parishioners. He then adopted a new name, Lạc, and relocated to evade capture, though the persecution persisted. In 1839, he was apprehended again in Hanoi. Alongside Fr. Peter Thí, whom he had visited for confession, both were ransomed, rearrested, tortured, and ultimately beheaded on December 21, 1839.

Canonization and Legacy

Andrew Dũng-Lạc is recognized as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988, along with 116 companions. Their shared feast day is November 24, which honors all Vietnamese Martyrs of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Despite the brutal persecutions, which included branding, confiscation of property, and various tortures, the Catholic faith endured in Vietnam, establishing deep roots.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Andrew Dũng-Lạc?

Andrew Dũng-Lạc was a Vietnamese Roman Catholic priest born around 1795. He is recognized as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs.

When and how did Andrew Dũng-Lạc die?

He was executed by beheading on December 21, 1839, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, who persecuted Christians.

When was Andrew Dũng-Lạc canonized?

Andrew Dũng-Lạc and 116 companions were canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988.

What is the feast day of Andrew Dũng-Lạc?

His memorial, celebrated with all the Vietnamese Martyrs, is on November 24. This date commemorates martyrs from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

What were the circumstances of his arrest and execution?

He was arrested in 1835 and again in 1839. Following his rearrest in 1839, he was tortured and ultimately beheaded along with Fr. Peter Thí.