The Faithful Disciple of Father Nguyễn Văn Tự
Saint Francis Xavier Hà Trọng Mậu was born in 1790 in Kẻ Diền village, now part of Duyên Lãng parish, Thái Bình province. From childhood, Mậu was dedicated to God by his parents. Gentle and devoted, he not only acquired a solid understanding of catechism but also joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, becoming a capable catechist. He was assigned to assist Father Nguyễn Văn Tự in Đức Trai village, Kẻ Mốt parish, where he served with the full enthusiasm of a disciple.
Courage Amidst Persecution
Upon hearing that Father Tự had been arrested, Mậu did not flee; instead, he hurriedly sought news to find a way to help. Although believers sent him to stay with a non-Christian in Nhất Trai village for safety, the host reported him to the authorities to claim a reward. Consequently, Mậu was arrested and imprisoned alongside Father Tự.
At the Bắc Ninh tribunal, when the provincial judge questioned him, Mậu declared firmly, “Your Honor, I am a catechist, a trusted disciple of Father Tự.” Although Father Tự signaled him not to reveal his identity in hopes that he might escape punishment, Mậu resolutely replied, “Father, please accept me as your disciple, so that I may die for the faith with you, fulfilling my belief.” This courage brought joy to Father Tự, who gave thanks to God.
Seeing that Mậu was handsome and young, the judge tempted him, saying, “If you wish to become a mandarin, I will recommend you to the King; or if you prefer to return home to practice medicine, I will arrange it, but you must step on this image.” Mậu bluntly refused, “Thank you, Your Honor, but I dare not step on the face of my Lord.”
Steadfast Faith in Prison
In prison, Mậu often answered on behalf of Fathers Bùi Văn Úy, Nguyễn Văn Mới, Nguyễn Văn Vinh, and Nguyễn Văn Đệ when they were interrogated about their hiding places. Together with four other believers, he wore the habit of the Third Order of Saint Dominic and strove to observe its rules. In a letter to Fathers Huấn and Thuận, Mậu sincerely wrote, “The five of us usually fast and abstain from meat as prescribed by the rule of the Order on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays... We desire to ask you, Fathers, to permit us to make our vows. We promise to keep the rule of the Dominican Order.”
On August 19, 1838, when ordered to step on the Cross, Mậu firmly refused. He endured severe beating (60 strokes) until he fainted, and soldiers had to carry him back to his cell.
The Glory of Martyrdom
On the morning of December 19, 1839, under King Minh Mạng, the catechist Francis Xavier Hà Trọng Mậu was executed by strangulation at the Cổ Mễ execution ground. His body was retrieved by the faithful and buried at the Hương La family chapel in Tử Nê parish, Bắc Ninh Diocese. Today, part of his relics are respectfully preserved at the Bắc Ninh Bishop’s Palace.
He was beatified on May 27, 1900, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988.
The content about the saint in this post is summarized and paraphrased from the book “Hạnh Các Thánh Tử Đạo Việt Nam” - Lives of the Vietnamese Martyrs (Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference, edited by Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Khảm, Tôn Giáo Publishing House, 2018). This post is not a verbatim copy but a re‑presentation based on the original source.