Saint Simon Phan Đắc Hòa
Parish Head and Healer (1787 – 1840)
Martyrdom Day: December 12

“For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

Saint Simon Phan Đắc Hòa was born in 1774 in Mai Vĩnh village, Mông Thôn commune, Thừa Thiên Province. His parents—Mr. Thục and Mrs. Đáo—were not Catholics. He received the Sacrament of Baptism at age 12 and chose the Christian name Simon.

From an early age, Simon Hòa distinguished himself through intelligence and diligence. He studied classical Chinese (chữ Nho) and assisted priests. Owing to his moral character and wisdom, he was selected to enter the seminary to learn Latin. However, due to family obstacles, he could not proceed toward holy orders. Following his spiritual superior’s advice, he humbly returned home, giving thanks to God.

Later, he studied traditional Eastern medicine (Đông y), and married a devout woman from Nhu Lý village. They had twelve children and lived harmoniously in faith and devotion. Because of his exemplary life, priests appointed him head of the local Catholic community (trùm họ).

As a skilled healer (lang y), his reputation spread widely, and he often treated the poor free of charge. He also zealously nurtured the spiritual life of the faithful—encouraging those grown lukewarm, and discouraging gambling and drunkenness.

His home served as a refuge for Bishop Cuenot (Thể), missionary Jaccard (Phan), and Bishop De la Motte (Y). On April 13, 1840, while escorting Bishop De la Motte (Y) to Hòa Ninh village, his boat was discovered by imperial soldiers. He and the bishop were arrested and taken first to Dương Xuân district, then imprisoned for two months in Quảng Trị, before being transferred to Huế.

At the tribunal in Quảng Trị, facing the magistrate, he steadfastly professed his faith. On December 12, 1840, at the execution ground in Chợ An Hòa (near Đốc Sơ parish), he received the Sacrament of Penance from Father Ngôn—who stood hidden among the crowd—then knelt on a mat and white blanket prepared by the faithful, and calmly accepted martyrdom.

He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1900, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988.