Saint Peter Hoang Khanh was born in 1780 in Hoa Due, Nghe An province. Though he lived a life of virtue, engaging in trade, he eventually moved his family to live in Luong Khe village, Anh Son district, Thanh Chuong province, Nghe An.
At the age of 22, Hoang Khanh earnestly desired to dedicate himself to the Lord as a preacher, assisting the elderly Father Dac in the parish. Later, Hoang Khanh sought admission to the seminary to prepare for priesthood. Around 1820, Hoang Khanh was ordained as a priest.
Father Khanh was a fervent priest, compassionate towards his parishioners, often helping the poor and destitute in the parishes of Trai Le, Thuan Nghia, Tho Ky, and Lang Truong, Ngan Sau. He particularly emphasized nurturing vocations to religious life, seeking teachers to instruct in Confucianism and Latin for the children. He had eight descendants who became priests serving the Church.
On January 29, 1842, while in Ngan Sau, Father Khanh received a letter from Father Chinh Masson - Nghiem, and set sail for Chung Xa Doai. Upon his return, his boat was intercepted and searched. Seeing him dressed as a clergyman, elderly and carrying sacred texts, holy oil, rosary beads..., the authorities questioned whether he was a doctor or practiced another profession. Father Khanh replied that he was a pastor. Consequently, he was arrested and detained.
During his imprisonment, Father Khanh was shackled and wore chains, and at night was additionally restrained. However, he continued fervently praying and showing kindness to his fellow prisoners. He administered medicine and successfully treated severely ill patients, earning the trust and belief of officials, guards, and fellow inmates that his remedies were efficacious.
The death sentence was carried out on July 12, 1842, in Ha Tinh, under the reign of King Thieu Tri. Father Khanh was led to the back door of the execution ground at Con Co and his head was severed by the executioner's sword. The remains of this witness to the faith, Saint Peter Hoang Khanh, were taken to the Ke Gom parish and buried beneath the old church.
Father Peter Hoang Khanh was beatified on May 2, 1909, and canonized on June 19, 1988.