In 1840, in the parish of Lục Thủy (now Liên Thượng parish, Diocese of Bùi Chu), a devout Catholic family welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Lawrence Phạm Viết Ngôn. Growing up in the faith, the young man soon stood out for his exemplary life.

At the age of 22, Lawrence married and devoted himself entirely to loving his wife and children. This profound familial love itself became the first great test of his faith. During the first wave of persecution, overwhelmed by love for his young wife and small children, he bribed the mandarin's soldiers to secure his release.

However, God's mercy and grace did not abandon him. On September 8, 1861, Lawrence was arrested a second time and taken to the An Xá camp in Đông Quan district. In prison, worry for his family still tormented him, but this time he escaped to visit home not to flee, but to encourage his elderly mother, wife, and children to remain steadfast in faith and entrust everything to divine Providence.

When brought before the tribunal, the presiding mandarin used his family to try to sway him: "You are still young, why be so foolish as to wish for death? Just step over the Cross, and you will be released immediately to return to your wife and children." Faced with this temptation, the young layman boldly proclaimed his faith:

"I keep the faith, worshipping the Lord of heaven and earth. The Cross is the means God uses to save humanity; I can only venerate it, I will never trample upon it."

This unwavering attitude enraged the mandarins, and they unanimously sentenced him to death. On May 22, 1862, at the execution ground in An Triêm, Đông Quan district, the witness Lawrence Phạm Viết Ngôn calmly submitted to beheading, in the tearful yet proud presence of his aged mother and his gentle wife.

In recognition of his martyrdom, the Holy Pope beatified him on April 29, 1951, and canonized him on June 19, 1988. The life of Saint Lawrence Phạm Viết Ngôn is testimony to a journey from weakness to glory, and a source of comfort and encouragement for those who struggle between love for family and fidelity to God.