Saint Thomas Đinh Viết Dụ – Priest and Martyr (1783–1839)
Feast Day: November 26

Saint Thomas Đinh Viết Dụ was born in 1783 in Phú Nhai village, Nam Định Province (today part of Phú Nhai Parish, Bùi Chu Diocese). From childhood, he diligently pursued studies and cultivated a devout spiritual life. After ordination to the priesthood, he entered the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) and made solemn profession on December 21, 1814. He was later assigned to serve as pastor of Liễu Đề Parish.

Father Dụ was deeply prayerful and fervent in his pastoral ministry, serving the faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Eastern Tonkin (Đông Đàng Ngoài).

On May 20, 1839, while celebrating Mass at Mrs. Thu’s house, he learned that soldiers had surrounded the village. Calmly, he disguised himself as a hired laborer and sat weeding in the garden. Recognized and pointed out by an informant, Father Dụ calmly replied, “I am indeed the leader of the religion. It is my duty to care for the faithful here.”

During six months of imprisonment, he endured severe torture and was repeatedly urged to trample on the Holy Cross, but remained unwavering. The official verdict sent to the imperial capital of Thuận Hóa stated: “The religious leader Đinh Viết Dụ is sentenced to decapitation for spreading the heretical Giatô faith. His beliefs have become hardened and incorrigible through deep-rooted superstition; thus, strict punishment is required.”

In prison, Father Dụ prayed and heard the confession of Father Nguyễn Văn Xuyên, his fellow prisoner, as they jointly prepared their hearts to bear witness to the faith.

He was executed by beheading on November 26, 1839, at Bảy Mẫu Execution Grounds under the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng. His remains were buried and venerated at Phú Nhai Martyrs’ Shrine (Đền Thánh Phú Nhai).

Father Thomas Đinh Viết Dụ was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1900, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988.