Saint Francis Nguyễn Văn Trung was born in 1825 in Phan Xá village, Quảng Trị province. Orphaned of his father from a young age, he was raised by his virtuous mother in the Catholic faith. As an adult, he married a young woman from his native region and had four children. His family lived devoutly, always preparing themselves fervently to receive the Sacraments whenever a priest came to Phan Xá parish to conduct Lenten retreats.

As a militia captain, he and eleven comrades underwent a recruitment examination trial. While others bribed officials to pass, he refused and did not participate. Discontent among the comrades over the unequal division of bribe money led to the matter being discovered. Emperor Tự Đức was enraged and imprisoned the entire group of twelve.

In 1859, when the French navy under Vice Admiral Rigault de Genouilly attacked Đà Nẵng, Emperor Tự Đức gave the prisoners a choice: remain in prison or enlist to fight the enemy. Captain Trung and his friends chose to enlist. However, the emperor suspected the loyalty of Catholic soldiers and forced them to offer incense and trample on the Holy Cross. He resolutely refused to obey, was imprisoned, and awaited sentencing. Before parting, he told his wife: "Should I die, please be at peace and focus on caring for our children! Love them with all your heart!"

On the morning of October 6, 1858, he was taken to the execution ground near An Hòa market under the escort of five senior mandarins and sixty infantrymen. Father Thoại had instructed him: if he saw a man standing and smoking at the execution ground, that was the priest - he should bow his head in contrition to receive the Sacrament of Confession for the last time. However, at the execution hour, the officials argued over the sentence, fearing that executing him would give the French forces a pretext to attack. They temporarily suspended the execution and reported to the emperor.

By 8 p.m. that same day, an order came down from the Thái Hòa Palace: Emperor Tự Đức approved the beheading sentence. The officials hurriedly carried it out. Captain Francis Nguyễn Văn Trung knelt and received the beheading sentence as a witness of faith. On October 8, 1858, his remains were welcomed by the faithful and buried at Dương Sơn parish church.

He was elevated to the ranks of the blessed by the Pope on May 2, 1909, and canonized on June 19, 1988.