On the afternoon of 27/7, the Diocese of Da Nang celebrated a solemn mass in honor of Blessed Anre Phu Yen at the Anre Phu Yen - Phuoc Kieu shrine in Dien Ban ward. This significant event commemorated Vietnam's first Catholic martyr, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000. The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Giuse Dang Duc Ngan, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hue and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Da Nang, alongside more than 100 concelebrating priests.

During his 15-minute homily, Archbishop Giuse Dang Duc Ngan praised Blessed Anre Phu Yen as a beacon of faith that has shone brightly for nearly four centuries. "Though only 19 years old, without power or status, he possessed the most precious thing: a heart entirely devoted to Christ. He left no great works but left behind a transformed life", he stated, recounting the life of Blessed Anre Phu Yen.

The statue of Blessed Anre Phu Yen was processed into the ceremonial grounds, where about 2,000 parishioners attended the mass. Photo: Nguyen Dong

The statue of Blessed Anre Phu Yen was processed into the ceremonial grounds, where about 2,000 parishioners attended the mass. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Anre Phu Yen was born in 1625 in Ranran (part of Mang Lang, Phu Yen, now in Dak Lak province). Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his mother. He diligently studied Nom script early on, and at age 15, he and his mother received the sacrament of baptism from Father Alexandre de Rhodes. The name Anre Phu Yen is linked to his baptismal name and his birthplace.

He followed Father de Rhodes to Hoi An in 1642, joining the Society of Catechists to assist in teaching religious doctrine. Having vowed chastity, he dedicated his time to serving the community and personally crafted nativity scenes to attract people to the church.

Archbishop Giuse Dang Duc Ngan incenses before the statue and relics of Blessed Anre Phu Yen. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Archbishop Giuse Dang Duc Ngan incenses before the statue and relics of Blessed Anre Phu Yen. Photo: Nguyen Dong

In July 1644, Ong Nghe Bo (Governor of Phu Yen) received orders from Lord Thuong (Cong Thuong Vuong Nguyen Phuc Lan, the third Nguyen lord who reigned over Dang Trong from 1635 to 1648) to restrict Catholic activities in the locality and to besiege establishments managed by Father de Rhodes. Catechist Anre was arrested while caring for a patient in a house near Faifo (Hoi An). With his hands and feet bound by soldiers, he requested to be untied to carefully arrange the sacred objects before surrendering them. He also took responsibility on behalf of a sick catechist.

At the mandarin's residence, when Ong Nghe Bo directly questioned his reason for following the foreign priest Alexandre de Rhodes, Catechist Anre replied that he followed out of devotion to learn God's doctrine. Through many interrogations, he remained steadfast in his religious faith. The provincial governor then ordered Catechist Anre's imprisonment, and on 26/7/1644, he was sentenced to death. On the afternoon of the same day, the sentence was carried out in a field in Dong Khuong village, Thanh Chiem district (modern-day Phuoc Kieu village).

A reenactment of the life and martyrdom of Blessed Anre Phu Yen, performed by catechists of Phu Thuong parish. Photo: Nguyen Dong

A reenactment of the life and martyrdom of Blessed Anre Phu Yen, performed by catechists of Phu Thuong parish. Photo: Nguyen Dong

His last words before his execution were recorded: "Brothers, you clearly see that I am arrested and about to die, not for robbery, murder, or harming anyone, but only because I have acknowledged the Lord of heaven and earth and His Only Son who came to earth to redeem us". This event made him the first martyr of the Catholic Church in Vietnam.

Catechist Anre's remains were taken back to the religious house, then transported by Portuguese ship to Macao (under the Holy See), and kept at St. Paul's Church from August 1644. His head was sent to the Jesuit General Curia in Rome.

From 12/12/1644 to 25/3/1645, the Diocese of Macao summoned 23 witnesses for an investigation to be presented to the Holy See. Reports by Father de Rhodes (1/8/1644) and Father Anton De Torres (5/10/1644) became the foundational documents preserved.

Based on historical records and a 214-page Historical Report from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, on 5/3/2000, Pope John Paul II beatified Catechist Anre Phu Yen at St. Peter's Square (Vatican City), with 35,000 attendees.

The relics of Blessed Anre Phu Yen placed under his statue. Photo: Nguyen Dong

The relics of Blessed Anre Phu Yen placed under his statue. Photo: Nguyen Dong

In 2007, Phuoc Kieu church was elevated to the status of a shrine. By 2008, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam designated July 26 annually as the feast day of Blessed Anre Phu Yen and the Day of Vietnamese Catechists.

Archbishop Giuse Dang Duc Ngan emphasized that recounting the story aims to encourage the community's spirit of faith and devotion. He called upon the faithful, especially catechists who have adopted Blessed Anre Phu Yen as their patron, to always show reverence and regularly pray to the blessed.

"Today's world rarely has to endure martyrdom as in the past. But each person can be a martyr through the moments of their lives, through sacrifice, self-denial, penance, generosity, repentance, forgiveness, and love. These are the most beautiful things we can offer to God", Archbishop Giuse said.

Nguyen Dong