Saint Peter Truong Van Thi (1763 - 1839) - Vietnamese Martyr Saint

Saint Peter Truong Van Thi was born in 1763 in Ke So village, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province into a poor but devout Catholic family. His family lineage also had a martyr for the faith, his uncle Father Duong, Peter's brother. Peter's father became a priest at age 43.

Due to his family's difficult circumstances, Peter's parents sent him at age 12 to tend cattle for the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Ke Dam congregation. The nuns noticed his good character and asked the parish priest to raise and educate him at the parish residence. As Peter progressed in virtue and learning, he became a catechist instructor. Soon after, he was selected for the seminary and ordained a priest on March 22, 1806 at age 43.

After ordination, Fr. Thi was assigned for 27 years to the parish of Song Chay in Phu Tho province. Parishioners testified to his virtue: living in poverty, solemn in celebrating Mass, diligent in fasting and prayer. Bishops Du and Khiem also praised Fr. Thi as a zealous model of righteous living, gentle and wise.

Due to the court's ban on Catholicism, the faithful dared not call him to give last rites to the dying. Saddened, Fr. Thi instructed them to find any way to summon him to save souls nearing death.

In 1833 at age 70, Fr. Thi was transferred to his home parish of Ke Song. With tension from the ban, he had to move hideouts constantly. After 7 years, he and Fr. Lac met for confession but were arrested by the district chief and his men. Knowing this, Fr. Lac admitted he too was a priest and was jailed with Fr. Thi, taken to Binh Luc district prison.

Parishioners prepared ransom money, but the priests were re-arrested on October 10, 1839. Some planned to sell property to ransom them, but Fr. Lac firmly refused, saying it was God's will. After 3 days' imprisonment in Binh Luc, they were taken to Ke Cho. Due to ill health, Fr. Thi was allowed a hammock while Fr. Lac walked in shackles.

In the provincial capital, Frs. Thi and Lac were interrogated three times. The magistrate ordered them to trample the cross for release, but both steadfastly refused. Knowing execution awaited, they prepared spiritually through prayer and confession. On November 16, Fr. Tran brought them Holy Communion. On December 21, Frs. Thi and Lac were led to the Cau Giay execution grounds. Fr. Thi prayed with Fr. Lac, then told the guards "I am ready, you may proceed." He was tied to a post and beheaded.

Peter Truong Van Thi was beatified on May 27, 1900 and canonized on June 19, 1988.