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Emmanuel Lê Văn Phụng
Head of the Clan
1796 - 1859
Commemoration Day: 31/7
#Layman
For I have forgiven.
"My child, forgive. Do not seek revenge on the one who betrayed me." These were the last words of Saint Emmanuel Lê Văn Phụng to his son before being executed. Following the example of Christ on the Cross, who asked His Father to forgive His tormentors, the saint implored his friends to fully embrace the Christian commandment of love: "Forgive your enemies. Do not hold grudges against those who have betrayed or condemned me, forgive, forgive for I have already forgiven..."
For eternity, this example and those words will forever resonate in the hearts of Vietnamese believers.
Green on the Outside, Red at Heart
Emmanuel Lê Văn Phụng was born in 1796 in Đầu Nước, Cù Lao Giêng, An Giang province, part of Châu Đốc district, Southern Hà. Externally, Mr. Phụng was not particularly appealing due to his rugged appearance and tendency to speak loudly. However, thanks to his integrity, decisiveness, and passion for communal work, he was trusted and appointed as the leader ("câu" or Boss) of the Đầu Nước clan. Responding to this trust, Boss Phụng played a significant role in strengthening the local Christian community during the religious persecution under King Tự Đức.
With his leadership and virtues, the local church was rebuilt, housing for nuns was provided, and the area became a relatively safe haven for priests. The local district officials partly relied on his support, recognizing that religious activities posed no threat, and often warned the Christian community in advance of inspections, giving them time to hide religious statues and objects.
Unexpected Disaster
But what Boss Phụng did not expect was the allure of the royal bounty for some locals. Some had been watching his house, with people climbing nearby mango trees at night to observe. Their patience paid off. At the end of 1858, they discovered a foreign missionary, Pernot Định, staying at Boss Phụng's house.
That night, as everyone was asleep, Father Pernot went out to enjoy the fresh air and pray under the moon and stars. The serene night seemed to alleviate the day's fatigue, connecting him to the Creator and making him wish that Vietnamese believers were as numerous as the stars. Before going back inside, he said, "Goodbye, dear stars. It's truly unfortunate that I have to live this way."
The spies, elated with their discovery, quickly reported to the Châu Đốc district officials, accusing Boss Phụng of harboring a Western missionary. They also advised sending soldiers directly for the arrest without informing the local officials, suspecting collusion with the Catholics.
On the morning of 07.01.1859, Boss Phụng was unaware of the impending danger. Besides Father Pernot, Father Phêrô Quý was also staying at his house. Both priests continued their regular mass. It was only afterward that someone rushed to inform him that the Châu Đốc soldiers were approaching. Boss Phụng quickly arranged for both priests to leave, but Father Quý insisted on staying, thinking he could blend in with the locals and find a hiding spot.
When the soldiers barged in, questioning and threatening the homeowner, Father Quý revealed himself. As a result, Boss Phụng, Father Quý, and 32 other Christians were arrested and taken to Châu Đốc. Faced with the officials, and based on the accusations, Boss Phụng confirmed having hosted a foreign missionary. However, despite torture and persuasion, he refused to disclose any further details about other missionaries or renounce his faith.
Final Keepsake
After six months of detention and seeing no hope of the prisoners changing their minds, the Châu Đốc officials sent a request to the capital for their execution, which King Tự Đức promptly approved. On 31.07, Father Phêrô Đoàn Công Quý and Boss Lê Văn Phụng were taken to the Chà Và execution ground. Both remained calm, with Father Quý praying the Rosary and Boss Phụng urging his friends to forgive their persecutors.
At the execution ground, Boss Phụng met his children. He gave his daughter, Anna Nhiên, a crucifix, saying, "My child, accept this keepsake from your father. This is the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is more valuable than gold or silver. Always wear it and pray diligently."
He also advised his son not to make a big fuss about his burial and to bury him next to his parish priest. Both the witnesses for Christ knelt down to pray. Father Quý administered the sacrament of confession to Boss Phụng. After three bell tolls, the priest was beheaded, and Boss Phụng was strangled with a rope pulled by two men.
Pope Pius X beatified both martyrs on 02.05.1909. On 19-06-1988, Pope John Paul II canonized them. Notably, Boss Emmanuel Phụng is among the top six of the list of 117 Vietnamese saints.
The magnanimous act of forgiveness by Boss Emmanuel Lê Văn Phụng before his martyrdom stands as a powerful testament to the boundless love preached by Christianity.