Saint John Baptist Con

Biography

Saint John Baptist Con, also known as Gioan Baotixta Còn or Giovanni Battista Con, was a married layman and martyr. He was born around 1805 in Ke Báng, Nam Ðinh, Vietnam. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was a devout Catholic who lived his faith passionately. During the 19th century, Vietnam faced a period of intense persecution against Catholics. The Vietnamese government, under the rule of the Nguyen Dynasty, sought to suppress the spread of Catholicism in the country. As a result, many Catholics, including Saint John Baptist Con, suffered greatly for their beliefs. Although Saint John Baptist Con was a married man, he deeply desired to dedicate his life to God and serve as a missionary. However, due to his family obligations, he was unable to become a priest. Nevertheless, he remained committed to his faith and served the Catholic community as a layperson. In 1840, Saint John Baptist Con's faith was put to the ultimate test. He was arrested by the authorities for his religious activities and was subjected to severe torture. Despite the agonizing pain, he refused to renounce his faith. Saint John Baptist Con remained steadfast, even in the face of oppression. On November 8, 1840, in Bay Mau, Hanoi, Vietnam, Saint John Baptist Con was brutally beheaded as a result of his refusal to abandon his Catholic beliefs. He displayed incredible courage and unwavering faith until his last breath. The Catholic Church recognized the martyrdom of Saint John Baptist Con and his companions on July 2, 1899, when Pope Leo XIII issued a decree praising their heroic witness. This proclamation marked the official recognition of their sacrifice for the Catholic faith. On May 27, 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified Saint John Baptist Con, honoring him for his martyrdom and exemplary life as a layperson. Then, on June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized him as a saint. This was a momentous occasion for the Vietnamese Catholic community, as Saint John Baptist Con became a symbol of unwavering faith and bravery. Though specific details about Saint John Baptist Con's patronage are not available, he is revered as a saint in the Catholic tradition. His feast day is celebrated on November 8, and he is also commemorated on November 24, as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. As a martyr, his life serves as an inspiration for all Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity. Saint John Baptist Con's life and martyrdom continues to inspire Catholics around the world. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his willingness to lay down his life for Christ make him a shining example of courage and devotion.