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Feast Day: November 7
Birth: November 13, 1743
Death: November 1, 7
Saint Mateo Alonso De Leciñana, also known as Alfonso Leciniana, Alonso Leciniana, Mateo Alonso de Leciñana y Alonso, and Matthew Alonso Leziniana, was a Dominican priest and missionary. He is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. Born on 26 November 1702 in Nava del Rey, Valladolid, Spain, Mateo Alonso De Leciñana entered the Dominican Order and was ordained as a priest. He dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith. In the early 18th century, the Spanish Dominicans established a mission in the Philippines. Mateo Alonso De Leciñana was sent to the Philippines as a missionary. There, he devoted himself to evangelization and pastoral care, ministering to the spiritual needs of the local people. After his time in the Philippines, Mateo Alonso De Leciñana was assigned to the mission in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam with a fervent desire to share the Gospel and bring the message of Christ to the Vietnamese people. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission. However, during the political turmoil and religious persecution in Vietnam, Mateo Alonso De Leciñana, along with several other missionaries, was captured and imprisoned. Despite facing harsh conditions and torture, he refused to renounce his faith and was unwavering in his commitment to God. Ultimately, on 22 January 1745, in Thang Long, Hanoi, Vietnam, Mateo Alonso De Leciñana was beheaded for his Christian faith. He embraced martyrdom, willing to sacrifice his own life rather than renounce his beliefs. Recognizing his heroic virtue and unwavering faith, Pope Saint Pius X declared Mateo Alonso De Leciñana venerable on 27 April 1904. Later, on 20 May 1906, Pope Saint Pius X beatified him, acknowledging his martyrdom and his example of faith and courage in the face of persecution. Finally, on 19 June 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized Mateo Alonso De Leciñana as a saint, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice and his dedication to spreading the Gospel. His feast days are celebrated on 22 January and 24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. Saint Mateo Alonso De Leciñana's life inspires countless believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity. His example serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrificing for one's beliefs and the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful to God till the end.