Saint Domingo Henares De Zafra Cubero

Biography

Saint Domingo Henares De Zafra Cubero, also known as Dominic Henares or Domingo Henares, was born on 19 December 1765 in Baena, Córdoba, Spain. He was born into a poor family but displayed a strong desire to serve God and the Church from a young age. At the age of eighteen, Domingo joined the Dominicans at the Santa Croce monastery in Granada, Spain, in 1783. He embraced the religious life wholeheartedly, dedicating himself to prayer, study, and service. It was during his time in the monastery that Domingo began to feel a calling to be a missionary. In 1785, at the age of twenty, Domingo was sent as a missionary to the region of modern Vietnam. He embarked on his journey on 29 September 1785 and arrived in the Philippines on 9 July 1786. While studying theology at the College of Saint Thomas in Manila, Domingo was assigned to teach as well, showcasing his intellectual capabilities and dedication to the spread of knowledge. Domingo was ordained a priest on 18 September 1790. His commitment to his vocation and his exemplary character led to him being chosen as the co-adjutor vicar apostolic, along with Saint Ignatius Delgado, of Eastern Tonkin, Vietnam. Additionally, Pope Pius VII appointed him the titular bishop of Fez on 9 September 1800. In 1803, Domingo became the Bishop of Phunhay, Vietnam. During this time, the Christian missionaries faced government persecution, and Domingo, along with Saint Francis Chieu, was arrested for their faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel. They were among the many who became martyrs of Vietnam. Saint Domingo Henares De Zafra Cubero met his martyrdom on 25 June 1838 in Nam Ðinh, Vietnam, where he was beheaded. His relics were later enshrined in Bui-Chu, Vietnam, a testament to his sacrifice and commitment to the Church. On 2 July 1899, Pope Leo XIII decreed the martyrdom of Domingo, acknowledging his ultimate sacrifice for the faith. He was beatified on 27 May 1900 by the same Pope, recognizing his sanctity and the example he set for all believers. Finally, Saint Domingo Henares De Zafra Cubero was canonized on 19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II. His canonization affirmed his profound holiness and the enduring impact of his life and ministry. Although Saint Domingo is not specifically associated with a particular patronage, his legacy as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam serves as an inspiration for all who face persecution for their faith. As a saint and martyr, Saint Domingo Henares De Zafra Cubero is remembered and venerated on 25 June, the day he was martyred, and on 24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. His life and sacrifice serve as an example of unwavering faith and dedication to the Gospel, inspiring Catholics around the world to live a life of witness and devotion.