Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp
Father Diep, a Mekong Delta priest who offered himself in place of his parishioners
- Rank
- Blessed
- Kind
- Priest, Martyr
- Life
- 1897 – 1946
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 12 March
- Countries
- Vietnam
Life story
He was born on 1 January 1897 at Long Xuyen (now An Giang), Cochinchina. He studied at the major seminary in Phnom Penh in Cambodia and was ordained priest in 1924. He taught at a local seminary, served as pastor of Tac Say for 16 years and helped found parishes in Cambodia and Vietnam.
After Japan's surrender in 1945, three Japanese soldiers defected to the anti-French movement of Cao Trieu Phat. According to the sources, two of them arrested Diep along with other Christians. He asked to be taken alone so that the other prisoners might be freed.
He was killed on 12 March 1946, aged 49. His body was later recovered and buried. Cao Trieu Phat afterwards had the three soldiers executed. People of the Mekong Delta know him affectionately as Cha Diep, and many non-Catholics also visit his tomb.
Pope Francis signed the decree recognising his martyrdom in November 2024. According to the reference source, the beatification took place on 2 July 2026 at Tac Say church in Ca Mau, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presiding on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. His feast is 12 March.
Works and witness
- Ordained priest in 1924 after studying in Phnom Penh
- Pastor of Tac Say for 16 years
- Helped found parishes in Cambodia and Vietnam
- Offered himself in place of imprisoned parishioners
- Killed on 12 March 1946; beatified on 2 July 2026
Saints from the same country
References
- Decree of martyrdom approved by Pope Francis, November 2024
- Archdiocese of Saigon / Diocese of Cần Thơ biographical material on Fr Trương Bửu Diệp
- Vatican News, report on the beatification at Tắc Sậy
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.