Saint Ðaminh Nguyen Van Hanh

Biography

Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo, also known as Joseph Diaz Sanjurjo, was a Dominican priest and missionary who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel in Southeast Asia. He was born on 26 October 1818 in Santa Eulalia, Spain. Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo was ordained as a priest on 23 March 1844 and soon after embarked on a missionary journey to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. During his time in Manila, he worked tirelessly to evangelize the local population and provide spiritual guidance to the faithful. Seeking to further expand his missionary efforts, Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo was sent to Viet Nam, where he continued his mission of spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church. His dedication and zeal for the faith earned him the respect and admiration of the Vietnamese people. On 5 September 1848, Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo was appointed as the coadjutor vicar apostolic of Central Tonking, Viet Nam, and was also given the title of titular bishop of Plataea. In this role, he worked tirelessly to establish and strengthen the Catholic Church in the region, facing numerous challenges and difficulties. During his time in Viet Nam, Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo actively promoted Catholicism and worked for the betterment of the local communities. He provided education, healthcare, and social support to those in need, embodying the teachings of Christ by serving others selflessly. Tragically, Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo met a martyr's death on 20 July 1857 while he was in Viet Nam. His unwavering dedication to his faith and his commitment to spreading the Gospel led to his persecution and eventual martyrdom. In recognition of his martyrdom and the exemplary life he lived, Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo was beatified on 29 April 1951 by Pope Pius XII and canonized on 19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II. His feast day is celebrated on both 20 July and 24 November, the latter being the feast day for the Martyrs of Viet Nam. Saint José María Díaz Sanjurjo's life and ministry serve as an inspiration to all Catholics, particularly missionaries, as he exhibited great courage, dedication, and selflessness in proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people of God. Though his representation remains unknown, his love for Christ and his unwavering faith continue to inspire the faithful around the world.