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Feast Day: July 10
Death: July 1, 10
Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh was born around 1768 in My Huong, Quang Bình, Vietnam. He was a devout Catholic layman, a physician, and a catechist. His life and actions are a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to serving others. One of the notable aspects of Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh's life was his dedication to assisting the missionaries of the Paris Foreign Mission Society. Despite the risks involved, he actively worked to support and aid these missionaries in their efforts to spread the Catholic faith in Vietnam during a time of intense persecution. In 1838, Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh was arrested for associating with the foreign missionaries. He was unjustly imprisoned for two years, enduring bouts of torture and abuse. Throughout his time in captivity, he never wavered in his commitment to his faith. Despite his own suffering, Saint Antôn used his medical skills to provide much-needed care to his fellow prisoners, offering his expertise to alleviate their pain and illnesses. The relentless persecution in Vietnam during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang culminated in the martyrdom of Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh. On 10 July 1840, he was strangled to death in Ðong Hoi, Quang Bình. His death served as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his faith and his refusal to renounce Catholicism despite the immense pressure to do so. Recognizing his exemplary life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his beliefs, Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh was venerated by Pope Leo XIII on 2 July 1899, through the decree of martyrdom. His beatification followed on 27 May 1900, with Pope Leo XIII officially acknowledging his martyrdom. Finally, on 19 June 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint, a recognition of his significant contributions to the Catholic Church and his unwavering commitment to Christ. Though the official patronage of Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh is not recorded, his life stands as an inspiration to all who face adversity and persecution for their faith. He serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in one's beliefs and of using one's skills and talents to alleviate the suffering of others, even in the face of significant personal hardship. The feast days of Saint Antôn Nguyen Huu Quynh are celebrated on 10 July and 24 November, as he is honored as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam.