(17th-19th century) Tran An Dung was born in Vietnam in 1795, took the name Andrew when baptized, and became a priest at age 28. He changed his name to Lac to evade capture during persecution and was tortured and beheaded in Hanoi at 44 years old. 116 other martyrs of Vietnam are also commemorated on this day, including eight bishops, 50 priests, and 59 members of the laity who all gave their lives to the witness of the Faith in Vietnam. The 117 named martyrs represent hundreds of thousands more martyred for the Faith over the span of centuries in Vietnam.
We do what is hard, not because it is hard, but because it is right. We strive to do the right thing for the right reason. Jesus said, “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). When have you had to do the hard thing for the right reason?
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Reflection by Brad Farmer