Saint Micae Nguyen Huy My

Biography

Saint Micae Nguyen Huy My was a lifelong layman in the apostolic vicariate of West Tonkin during the 19th century. He is one of the Martyrs of Vietnam, a group of individuals who bravely and steadfastly stood by their Catholic faith in the face of severe persecution. Born around 1804 in Ke Vinh, Hanoi, Vietnam, Micae Nguyen Huy My grew up in a time of great turmoil and religious tension. Vietnam was under the rule of the Nguyen dynasty, which had adopted a policy of persecution against Catholicism. Despite the dangers, Micae remained devoutly committed to his faith and actively participated in the Catholic community. On the fateful day of 12 August 1838, Micae Nguyen Huy My, along with his fellow Catholics, gathered in Bay Mau, Hanoi, to celebrate the Eucharist. However, the authorities discovered their gathering and swiftly moved to arrest them. Refusing to renounce their faith, Micae and his companions were subjected to cruel torture and interrogations. Despite the pain and torment they endured, they refused to renounce their Catholic beliefs. After enduring countless hardships, Micae Nguyen Huy My and his companions were sentenced to death. On that same day, they were executed for their unwavering commitment to their faith. Their heroic sacrifice and ability to remain faithful until their final moments became a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the Catholic community in Vietnam. Recognizing the martyrdom and exemplary virtue displayed by Micae Nguyen Huy My and his fellow companions, Pope Leo XIII officially venerated them on 2 July 1899, issuing a decree of martyrdom. Pope Leo XIII further elevated their status by beatifying them on 27 May 1900. Finally, on 19 June 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized Micae Nguyen Huy My and his fellow Martyrs of Vietnam, acknowledging their sanctity and their ultimate sacrifice for the Catholic faith. As canonized saints, they serve as inspiring examples of unwavering faith and devotion for Catholics around the world. Though the specific patronages associated with Saint Micae Nguyen Huy My are not known, he is revered as a martyr and an example of steadfast faith in the face of persecution. Today, his memory is honored on 12 August and 24 November, along with the other Martyrs of Vietnam, who collectively serve as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of the Catholic community.