Saint Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa

Biography

Saint Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa, also known as Peter Choa or Peter Khoa, was a Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving God and the Christian community in Vietnam. Born around 1790 in Thuan Nghia, Nghe An, Vietnam, not much is known about his early life or family background. However, his unwavering faith and commitment to the Catholic Church would make him a significant figure in Vietnamese Catholic history. Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa's journey towards priesthood began under the guidance of bishop Saint Peter Dumoulin. Serving as a close collaborator to Bishop Dumoulin, he was entrusted with various pastoral responsibilities, helping to disseminate the teachings of the Catholic Church and assisting with the administration of the sacraments. During this period, Vietnam was gripped by a period of intense persecution against Christians, which was initiated by the Nguyen Dynasty and reinforced by the country's political and social systems. Despite the constant threat to his safety, Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa remained steadfast in his faith, demonstrating immense courage and determination in the face of persecution. On November 24, 1838, Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa met his tragic martyrdom in Ðong Hoi, Quang Bình, Vietnam. He was ruthlessly strangled to death for refusing to renounce his Christian beliefs and embrace the state-sponsored syncretism being imposed upon the Catholic population. His brutal execution serves as a solemn reminder of the immense sacrifices made by countless Vietnamese Catholics during this period. Recognizing the heroic virtue and resolute faith demonstrated by Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa, Pope Leo XIII declared him venerable on July 2, 1899, through a decree of martyrdom. A year later, on May 27, 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified him, recognizing his martyrdom and the sanctity of his life. Finally, on June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa, elevating him to the status of a saint within the Catholic Church. Though specific details of Saint Phêrô Võ Ðang Khoa's iconography or patronage are not readily available, his life and sacrifice continue to inspire and offer solace to countless Catholics, particularly within the Vietnamese Catholic community. The celebration of his feast day on November 24 is an enduring reminder of his unwavering faith and dedication to God, serving as a catalyst for spiritual reflection and prayer.