Saint Anrê Tran An Dung

Biography

Saint Anrê Tran An Dung, also known as Andrew Dung Lac or Andrew Dung Lac An Tran, was a Catholic priest who lived in the 19th century in Vietnam. Born around 1795 in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, he was a devout and dedicated servant of God, and his life became intertwined with the turbulent history of his country. Saint Anrê Tran An Dung served as a priest in the apostolic vicariate of West Tonkin, under the leadership of the priests from the Foreign Mission Society of Paris. He worked alongside them in spreading the message of Christianity and ministering to the local Catholic communities in Vietnam. During this period, Vietnam experienced a series of brutal persecutions directed against the Catholic Church. The Emperor Minh-Meng, fearing the influence of Christianity, initiated these persecutions to suppress the spread of the faith. Saint Anrê Tran An Dung, along with countless other believers, became a victim of these persecutions. Imprisoned and subjected to relentless torture, Saint Anrê Tran An Dung steadfastly maintained his faith and refused to renounce his religion. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering, he remained strong in his commitment to God and his calling as a priest. His unwavering faith became an inspiration to those around him. Ultimately, on December 21, 1839, in Ô Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam, Saint Anrê Tran An Dung was beheaded, joining the ranks of countless other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith. He died alongside Saint Peter Thi, another Vietnamese priest and martyr. Recognizing their heroic witness, Pope Leo XIII declared Saint Anrê Tran An Dung and Saint Peter Thi as martyrs on July 2, 1899, through a decree. Their beatification soon followed, and on May 27, 1900, Pope Leo XIII officially beatified them. Their ultimate recognition as saints came on June 19, 1988, when Pope John Paul II canonized both Saint Anrê Tran An Dung and Saint Peter Thi, acknowledging their sanctity, martyrdom, and dedication to the Catholic Church. Today, the feasts of Saint Anrê Tran An Dung and the Martyrs of Vietnam are celebrated on December 21 as well as on November 24, commemorating their sacrifice and the witness they gave to their faith. Although specific patronages are not attributed to Saint Anrê Tran An Dung, his life and martyrdom continue to inspire and stand as a testament to the triumph of faith in the face of adversity. His example serves as a reminder of the courage and commitment required to live according to one's beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances.