Saint Thomas Nguyễn Văn Đệ: An Inspiring Example from the Tailoring Profession
Saint Thomas Nguyễn Văn Đệ (1811–1839) was a prominent witness to the faith, born into a devout Catholic family. He was born in 1811 in Bồ Trang village, Thái Bình province (now belonging to Bái Đông Parish Group, Bồ Ngọc Parish, Quỳnh Hoa Commune, Quỳnh Phụ District, Thái Bình Province, Diocese of Thái Bình). Due to livelihood needs, he followed his parents from childhood to Kẻ Mốt village, Bắc Ninh province, where he learned and practiced tailoring, following in his father’s footsteps.
As a devout layperson, he enthusiastically participated in apostolic activities within his parish. Once his life became stable, he married and established his own household, building a happy home with his wife and children.
The Moment of Farewell and the Decision for Martyrdom
A major event occurred on June 29, 1838, when royal troops surrounded Kẻ Mốt village. They gathered all men over 18 years old at the village communal house, forcing them to trample on the Cross and renounce their faith to be released. At that time, Mr. Đệ was hiding behind the house. Realizing he could not escape indefinitely, he chose to face his fate.
In that decisive moment, he calmly bid farewell to his young wife, instructing her to take their children to her parents’ home for support. After affectionately kissing each of his young children, he voluntarily surrendered. Although only 28 years old, he was sentenced by the court to death by strangulation. However, the execution was postponed for one year to await any change in his stance.
Final Words Full of Trust
The months in Bắc Ninh prison were a harsh trial involving chains, shackles, and the pain of separation from his family. Yet, his soul found profound peace by completely entrusting himself to Divine Providence.
When his wife visited him in tears, he offered words full of strength and faith: “Do not cry, my dear! Return home to raise our children well, teach them to worship God. I have dedicated you and the children to Him. Remember to pray to God to grant me the strength to endure faithfully to the end!”
For a year, enduring all tortures and temptations, Saint Thomas Nguyễn Văn Đệ remained unwavering, steadfastly protecting his Christian faith.
Martyrdom and Canonization
On December 19, 1839, under King Minh Mạng, the saint was executed by strangulation at the Cổ Mễ execution ground. His remains were respectfully buried by the faithful at Phong Cốc Church, Diocese of Bắc Ninh. Currently, his relics are preserved in two places: part at Phong Cốc Parish and part at his homeland, Bồ Ngọc Parish.
The Church recognized his noble sacrifice by beatifying him on May 27, 1900, and canonizing him as a saint 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.