Saint Peter Nguyen Khac Tu was born in 1808 in Ninh Binh province. He dedicated his life to serve as a preacher in the Diocese of Tay Dang Ngoai. At the age of 20, he assisted the apostolic vicar Pierre Dumoulin Borie - Cao.
When the apostolic vicar of Western Tonkin was arrested, Tu also requested to accompany him. Bishop Borie - Cao worried about the scenes of torture, beatings, and venomous snake pits that Tu would endure. Understanding the bishop's concerns, Tu expressed his wholehearted willingness and promised to remain faithful to the end, relying on the bishop's prayers and God's grace for strength.
Tu was arrested along with Bishop Borie - Cao in Bo Chinh, put in shackles, and then taken to Dong Hoi. In the prison courtyard, for refusing to trample on the Holy Cross, he was whipped 20 times. The officials promised to release him if he confessed to the villages he had visited or renounced his faith. Without hesitation, Tu replied, "I would rather die than abandon my faith." A severe beating followed, and then soldiers dragged him out to be exposed to the sun all day.
Ten days later, officials tried to coerce Tu into confessing as before, but he remained steadfast. They ordered him to be beaten and then locked him in a pit full of venomous snakes, but he remained unharmed and serene.
The greatest comfort for him in prison was being held with Bishop Borie - Cao. The bishop's example supported him in moments of severe trial of faith. Moreover, he also received the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion from Father Ngan.
At the time of execution, Tu lay down as soldiers tightened the rope around his neck to carry out the sentence on July 10, 1840, at Dong Hoi execution ground under the reign of King Minh Mang.
Peter Nguyen Khac Tu was beatified on May 27, 1900, and canonized on June 19, 1988.