Saint Peter Trương Văn Thi was born in 1763 in Kẻ Sở parish, Thanh Liêm, Hà Nam. He came from a poor but devout family, belonging to a clan that already had a martyr: Mr. Đường (his elder brother's son).

As a child, due to poverty, Thi was sent to herd buffalo for the Lovers of the Holy Cross convent in Kẻ Đầm. The nuns, noticing his good character, asked the parish priest to take him in. He entered the rectory at the age of 12. Thi grew increasingly devout. He was sent to school, became a catechist, and later entered the seminary. He was ordained a priest on March 22, 1806, at the age of 43.

After ordination, Father Thi was assigned to care for Sông Chảy parish in Phú Thọ for 27 years. Parishioners testified that he was a man of great virtue, lived in poverty, celebrated Mass with solemn devotion, and often fasted on Fridays. Bishop Du noted that although elderly, he lived a disciplined life and observed propriety meticulously. Bishop Khiêm also praised him for being devout, gentle, and wise.

During the persecution of the faith under Emperor Minh Mạng, fearful parishioners dared not call the priest to help the sick. Father Thi was deeply saddened and admonished them: "No matter what, when someone is gravely ill and near death, you must bring me to anoint the patient, lest you cause harm to the sick person's soul."

In 1833, he was transferred to care for Kẻ Sông parish. By 1839, during a severe persecution, Father Thi was arrested by the village chief, Pháp, along with four servants, while he and Father Andrew Dũng Lạc were hearing each other's confessions. Both were taken to Bình Lục district.

Although parishioners raised money for ransom and some were willing to mortgage their entire property, Father Dũng Lạc forbade it, determined to submit to God's will. After three days, both priests were transferred to Kẻ Chợ (Hanoi). Due to Father Thi's frailty, the official arranged for a hammock for him, while Father Lạc walked barefoot, wearing a cangue.

Here, the two priests were interrogated three times and resolutely refused to trample on the cross, even though the official offered to release them. Knowing their martyrdom was near, they prayed and prepared themselves. Father Lạc joyfully comforted Father Thi: "Let us endure a little longer so we may meet our Great Father."

On November 16, 1839, the two priests received Holy Communion. On December 21, 1839, they were taken to the execution ground at the Ô Cầu Giấy gate. After praying together, Father Thi said to the executioner: "I am ready now, you may proceed." He was tied to a stake and beheaded.

Priest Peter Trương Văn Thi was beatified on May 27, 1900, and canonized on June 19, 1988.