Saint Andrew Of Phu Yen – Vietnam’s First Catholic Martyr

Introduction

Saint Andrew of Phu Yen (1625–1644) is honored as Vietnam’s first Catholic martyr — the “protomartyr” of the Vietnamese Church. A young catechist baptized by the Jesuit missionary Alexandre de Rhodes, he gave his life for his faith at just 19 years old, near the ancient town of Hoi An. Today he is the patron of catechists in Vietnam, and his feast day, July 26, is celebrated nationwide.

Saint or Blessed? His Official Title

Strictly speaking, his official title today is Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen: Pope John Paul II beatified him in Rome on March 5, 2000, and the cause for his canonization is still underway. Vietnamese Catholics, however, have long called him “Saint Andrew of Phu Yen” out of affection and veneration — so you will see both titles used, including in this article.

Early Life

Andrew was born around 1625 into a poor but devout family in a small coastal village of Phu Yen Province, in the area of today’s Mang Lang Parish in south-central Vietnam. His civil name was never recorded — the Holy See officially knows him by his baptismal name joined to the name of his home province. Raised by his widowed mother Joanna, he was baptized in 1641 by Father Alexandre de Rhodes, the famous Jesuit missionary who also helped shape the Romanized Vietnamese script (chữ Quốc ngữ).

Dedication and Vows

In 1642, at his mother’s request, the 17-year-old Andrew was accepted into the Association of Catechists founded by Father de Rhodes. In 1643, at Hoi An, he and nine companions made a solemn promise to dedicate their lives to serving the Church — Andrew was the youngest of the group. Despite his age, he traveled with the missionaries across Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quy Nhon and Quang Binh, teaching the catechism to Vietnam’s first Christian communities.

Saint Andrew of Phu Yen – Vietnam’s first Catholic martyr — saint andrew of phu yen

Martyrdom

In July 1644, under Lord Nguyen Phuc Lan, the mandarin Ong Nghe Bo launched a persecution of Christians in Quang Nam. On July 25, soldiers raided Father de Rhodes’ house in Hoi An looking for Ignatius, the senior catechist of the group — but only young Andrew was at home. Convinced that the community needed Ignatius more than him, Andrew stepped forward, took responsibility and let himself be arrested.

He was taken to the citadel of Thanh Chiem (Ke Cham), then the capital of Quang Nam Province. Offered his freedom if he renounced his faith, he refused, declaring: “Would that I had a thousand lives to offer them all to God in gratitude for what He has done for me.” The death sentence was carried out within 24 hours.

Around 5 pm on July 26, 1644, thirty soldiers escorted Andrew to Go Xu, the execution ground near the citadel — a site that today lies in Phuoc Kieu (Dien Ban), about 7 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. Before a crowd that included Father de Rhodes himself, he encouraged his fellow Christians: “Remain firm in your faith, do not be sad about my death, and pray that I remain faithful to the end.” He died with the name of Jesus on his lips.

“Let us return love for love to our Lord; let us return life for life.”
Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen, repeated before his martyrdom — as recorded by Father Alexandre de Rhodes

Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen with halo and cross illustration — saint andrew of phu yen

A few days later, Father de Rhodes brought Andrew’s body by ship to Macau, where it was buried. His head was carried to Rome, where it is still kept at the residence of the Superior General of the Jesuits.

Legacy of Saint Andrew of Phu Yen

Andrew of Phu Yen is regarded as the Protomartyr of Vietnam — the first of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who would witness to their faith through nearly three centuries of persecution. On March 5, 2000, during the Great Jubilee in Rome, Pope John Paul II beatified him, officially recognizing his heroic witness.

Every year on July 26, the Catholic Church in Vietnam celebrates his feast day, which the Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference has also chosen as the National Day of Catechists. He remains a model of youthful faith, courage and dedication.

Visiting His Shrine near Hoi An

The Shrine of Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen stands at Phuoc Kieu (Dien Phuong, Dien Ban), right on the road connecting Hoi An with Da Nang — only about 7 km from the Ancient Town, a 15-minute ride. It marks the very site of the old Go Xu execution ground and is the main pilgrimage center of the Diocese of Da Nang.

On the same route you can also visit the traditional Phuoc Kieu bronze-casting village and the site of the Thanh Chiem citadel, where Father de Rhodes studied Vietnamese — one of the cradles of the Romanized Vietnamese alphabet. It makes an easy, meaningful half-day trip: rent a motorbike in Hoi An and combine it with the scenic Hoi An to Da Nang route.

Conclusion

The story of Saint Andrew of Phu Yen is not only about martyrdom, but also about unwavering faith and youthful courage. He continues to inspire Catholics worldwide to live with love, conviction, and dedication.

❓ FAQs about Saint Andrew of Phu Yen

Who was Saint Andrew of Phu Yen?

Saint Andrew of Phu Yen (1625–1644) was Vietnam’s first Catholic martyr — a young catechist from Phu Yen, baptized by Father Alexandre de Rhodes, who was executed at the age of 19 for refusing to renounce his faith.

Is Andrew of Phu Yen a saint or a blessed?

Officially he is Blessed: Pope John Paul II beatified him on March 5, 2000, and his canonization cause is still in progress. He is popularly venerated as “Saint Andrew of Phu Yen”.

When and where did Saint Andrew of Phu Yen die?

He was executed around 5 pm on July 26, 1644 at Go Xu, near the Thanh Chiem citadel — today Phuoc Kieu, Dien Ban, about 7 km from Hoi An Ancient Town.

What is Saint Andrew of Phu Yen the patron of?

He is the patron of catechists in Vietnam. His feast day, July 26, is also the National Day of Catechists in Vietnam.

Can I visit his shrine from Hoi An?

Yes — the Shrine of Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen at Phuoc Kieu lies on the Hoi An–Da Nang road, about a 15-minute motorbike ride from the Ancient Town.

When you visit Hoi An, you can also walk in the footsteps of Saint Andrew of Phu Yen by exploring the ancient town and surrounding villages. To make your journey more convenient, we provide high-quality rental services: