THE DOMINICAN YEAR Month of June

1 June

B. ALPHONSUS NAVARRETE

Friar and Priest

Martyr of Japan.

(+1617) These three martyrs were beheaded for the sake of the Christian faith at Omura (Japan) on 1 June, 1617. They were the first group of martyrs to give witness to the faith of the so-called “Great Persecution in Japan” consisting of 205 martyrs who were beatified in 1866.

(1571-1617) B. Alphonso Navarrete was born in Logroño (Spain) in 1571. He entered the Order of Preachers at Valladolid and was ordained a priest. He volunteered to the missions in the Far East and transfiliated to the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary and was sent to the Philippines. He began to do missionary work in the islands especially in the Dominican missions of the Cagayan Valley but had to return to Manila due to ill health. He petitioned his superiors to allow him to return Spain for treatment. Though he was allowed to return to Europe, he was tasked to recruit volunteers to the mission and to lead another “barcada” or “mission” for the Orient in 1611, and the following year he was assigned to Japan as a missionary. There he ceaselessly preached the gospel, promoted many charitable works for the poor earning him the title of “S. Vincent de Paul of Japan”. He had also served the mission as Vicar Provincial. At the height of the great persecution in Japan, he and the missionaries prepared the Christian communities by establishing confraternities to maintain the faith alive and to help one another in the future.

In order to give an example to the Christians, he and the Vicar of the Augustinians, (1575-1617) B. Fernando of Saint Joseph de Ayala decided to surrender to the authorities and submit themselves to be martyred for the edification of the Japanese Christians.

Together with these two valiant missionary was a Japanese layman B. Leo Tanaka, who worked with the Jesuit missionaries as a catechist and helped. He was also martyred on the same day.

Liturgical note: He heads the list of Martyrs of the Dominican Family in Japan during the period of the Great Persecution (1617-1623). They were beatified in1867. For the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary, it is collectively celebrated with the rank of “memoria obligatoria”, under the title of “B. Alfonso Navarrete and Companions” on 10 September.

Collect

O God, who give us joy in the triumph of (our brother) Blessed Alphonsus (Navarrete) and companions; grant us, we pray, that through their merits and intercession, the same steadfastness in faith and fruitfulness in works may be given to us.

2 June

B. SADOC

Friar and Priest, and

COMPANIONS

Martyrs of Sandomierz

(+1260) According to tradition, B. Sadoc received the habit from the Patriarch S. Dominic who sent him with other friars to found the Order in Hungary. Years later he was assigned to S. James Priory at Sandomierz (Poland), beside the Vistula River, as prior of the community. On 3 August, 1260, the invading Tartars assaulted the priory and massacred the whole community of forty-nine (49) friars as they were chanting the antiphon Salve Regina.

This became the origin of the pious practice of the community chanting of the antiphon around the deathbed of a religious or as a farewell hymn at funerals or burials in the Order.

Collect

Lord Jesus in the midst of fierce attacks of the foe, (our brothers) Blessed Sadoc and his companions greeted he Virgin Mary in song and received the longed-for palm of martyrdom. After this exile, may your merciful and living mother show us to you.

3 June

S. PETER MARTYR SANS JORDÁ

Bishop

AND COMPANIONS

Priests and Martyrs of Fuzhou

(1680-1647) S. PEDRO MARTYR SANS JORDÁ

Baptized as Joseph, he was born at Ascó (Tarragona, Spain) in 1680. In 1697 he joined the Order of Preachers and, took the religious name of “Peter Martyr” in honor of the protomartyr of the Order, at the suggestion of his uncle who had a great devotion to the saint. In 1704 he was ordained to the priesthood was assigned to the Priory at Zaragoza where he served as the chaplain of the rosary.

He volunteered to go the missions in the Far East and joined the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary and in 1713 arrived in Manila where after studying Chinese for two years was sent to the Dominican missions in China, in the Southern Province of Fujian.  There he worked for many years as a missionary in the midst of great trials and periodic persecutions. In 1717 he was assigned as the Vicar of the mission.

By 1729 he began to lead a life of a fugitive and suffered great spiritual desolation. He then sought refuge in the Guangzhou where he received his appointment as Apostolic Vicar of Fujian with the title of “Bishop of Mauricastro” and despite his protestations, he was consecrated as bishop on 24 February, 1730. He was exiled to Macau for a time and it was only in 1738 when he was able to return to Fujian province where he and his companions began to rebuild the once flourishing mission devastated by the persecutions. With great prudence and care, he reorganized and re-evangelized the region with the help of great many catechists and consecrated virgins as well as committed Christians.

Another wave of persecutions broke out, and brought great suffering to the Christian communities on account of their faith but most especially for harboring missionaries in 1746. He finally surrendered spontaneously to the authorities to evade further harm to the Christian faithful.  Despite his age and frail constitution, they bound him and took him on foot to the city of Fu An; and with the five missionaries and some Christians, they were brought to the provincial capital of Fuzhou, carrying heavy chains on their necks and cuffed hands.

While in the provincial capital, he suffered harsh imprisonment, long interrogations before the magistrates on his knees.

He was finally condemned to be beheaded on the West Gate of the City, greatly edifying the throngs of people who witnessed his execution. This took place on 27 May, 1747. He is the first of the many martyred bishops of China.

With him were four other confreres and companions in the mission and in their heroic confession.  Throughout their long incarceration, they suffered tortures, underwent abuses and inhumane treatment, they were even disfigured by having their crimes tattooed on their cheeks to suffer greater shame, yet in the midst of all these, they bore all vexations and sufferings in the most heroic way.

After sharing the same fate as their beloved leader and bishop, they continued their imprisonment, awaiting the final verdict of their condemnation from the Imperial court. 

The local magistrate, impatient of the decisions from the imperial capital, ordered that they be assassinated in secret, they were then strangled to death in their own jails where they had been detained. Their martyrdom took place on 28 October, 1748.

They are:

(1695-1748) S. Francisco Serrano was born in Huéneja (Granada, Spain) in 1695. He entered the order in the famed Royal Convent of the Holy Cross of Granada and even as a novice, he already showed signs of holiness and was a model of virtue. He later volunteered to the mission in the Far East of 1725 with S. John Alcober.

After a period of stay in Mexico, he arrived in Manila in 1727 and with his confrere, S. John Alcober, entered China together in 1738. He had to face cruel persecutions and continual hardships. He would go about the mission in disguise and at times had to be buried underground for hours and even days. In the midst of all these trials, only the love of God and souls gave him the strength to withstand such dangers and not yield to fear.

On 29 June, 1746, he was arrested together with S. Francis Diaz while in hiding at Xi Tung. Weighed down with heavy chains, he and S. Francis Diaz took the arduous trip to Fu An and later to Fuzhou on foot.

The following twenty eight (28) months, like his companions, he underwent interminable questionings, cruel torments, jails of horror and misery. Due to the violent slaps he received, he was left with a damaged ear.

During the incarceration, he served as secretary and assistant to S. Peter Martyr Sanz and even at jail, he wrote many of the Reports of the persecutions and the martyrdom of the missionaries and the missionaries. He served as Vicar Provincial of the Mission. He received his appointment as the successor of S. Peter Martyr Sanz but was never consecrated.

He was martyred by suffocation with a mixture of lime, paper, alcohol and wine and his remains were incinerated to dust. He was only fifty-two (52) years old and twenty-one (21) years in the mission.

(1691-1748) S. Joaquín Royo was born in Hinojosa de Jarque (Teruel, Spain) in 1691. He joined the Order in 1709 at Valencia and while still a student brother, he volunteered for the missions joined S. Peter M. Sanz as part of the same mission for the Far East. After his ordination in the Manila, he was immediately assigned to the missions in China  in 1715 and remained for a time in Macau before entering the missions in Fujian. He began to work in the Minnan missions before he was reassigned to restore the abandoned missions in Jiangxi. In 1722, he was appointed as the Vicar Provincial of the Mission and was a collaborator of S. Peter Martyr Sans.

On 3 July, 1746, he was hiding between two thin walls in the house of a Christian. The soldiers upon discovering him destroyed the whole house and arrested him, by tying a rope on his neck and his wrists.

During his incarceration he suffered long periods of interrogation, was flogged and slapped and underwent the infamous ankle crushing torment.

His martyrdom was by suffocation: They forcibly covered his face and blocked up his mouth and nose with a thick paste made of eggs, rice paper and strong alcohol.  A sack of lime was thrown over his head and they stomped and kicked his body until he expired. This took place on 28 October, 1748. He thus ended his missionary career which lasted for thirty-one years to “preach the Law of God”.

(1694-1748) S. John Thomas Alcober was born in Granada in 1694. He entered the Order of Preachers in his city of birth in 1708 and was ordained in 1718. He worked for a time in the region of Andalucia for a time until he volunteered to join the missions in the Far East. He left for the Philippines in 1725 and was assigned to the ministry for the Chinese in Manila until 1728 when he was assigned to the Missions in China.

He entered the desolated missions of Fu An via Guangzhou and soon began his missionary life in hiding and living in the midst of greatest danger. This was complicated by the fact that he was heavy set and had great difficulty in fleeing and hiding. Yet he never lost every opportunity to minister to the sacraments and to instruct the catechumens.

He also served as Vicar of the Missions. He died of strangulation with S. Francis Diaz on 28 October, 1748.

(1739-1748) S. Francisco Díaz del Rincón, was born in Écija (Sevilla, Spain). Even as a child, he once told his father that he wanted to go to China to preach the Gospel and to be a martyr of Christ. He took the Dominican habit at the Convent of S. Dominic and S. Paul in his hometown and made his profession in 1731.

He then volunteered to join the missions in the Far East, arriving in Manila in 1736. Despite his frail physique and delicate health, his fervor was exemplary. After his ordination, he was assigned to the Missions in China. He arrived in Macau and accompanied S. Peter Martyr Sanz on his return to the missions in Fu An in 1739. The youngest of the martyrs; due to the stress of the persecutions, suffered psychological and spiritual trials and was finally reassigned to the Philippines. He was awaiting permission to return to the Philippines when he was arrested.

He was with S. Francis Serrano hiding in Xi tong (Fu An) when both were arrested on 29 June, 1746. Their whereabouts was betrayed by an apostate.

He began to carry the heavy chains around his neck and was brought to Fu An. He continued his incarceration and trial in Fuzhou where he suffered the terrible torture of the crushing of ankles aside from the long interrogations, molestations, and slappings and branded with burning irons on the face.

He was strangled with S. Francis Serrano on the fateful day of 28 October, 1748.

They were beatified together with S. Peter Martyr Sans in 1897 and were canonized together with all the Martyrs of China by S. John Paul II in 2000.

Liturgical note: In the proper Calendar of the Order, this group of martyrs also known as “The Dominican Martyrs of Fuzhou” shares the same day for their liturgical memoria with S. Francis de Capillas on15 January under the collective title of “S. Francis de Capillas and Companions” or the “Dominican Martyrs of China”. Notwithstanding, The Province of Our Lady of the Rosary assigns this day to commemorate these martyrs separately and enjoys the rank of “Festum”.

Collect

O Lord, You endowed your holy martyrs S. Peter Martyr Sans and his companions with the same courage and love in preaching our faith to the peoples of China. Grant, that by their witness and example, we may stand firm in professing your faith.

Or

Loving God, through their martyrdom, our brother Saint Peter Martyr Sans and his companions have given us an example of faith and perseverance. Help us to proclaim the gospel courageously to all people.

4 June

S. PETER OF VERONA

Protomartyr of the Dominican Order

(+1252)  The glorious Protomartyr of the Dominican Order, S. Peter was born at Verona to Waldensian parents by the end of the XII century. At school he learned the catechism and embraced the Catholic faith.

As an adolescent and student at Bologna, he entered the Order of Preachers and received the habit from the hands of S. Dominic himself. Ordained to the priesthood he consecrated himself to preaching with great intensity throughout the Northern regions of Italy.

Full of zeal for the purity of the faith he preached the word of God and brought many people back to the true faith. His concern for the growth of the faith among the laity led him to establish the Confraternity in Praise of the B. Virgin Mary and the Association of the Faith. He earnestly promoted community life and served the brethren as prior. In 1242 he was appointed as the Inquisitor General for Lombardy.

His eloquence and holiness of life touched the hearts of many and conversions multiplied. This also earned him the wrath of his enemies. During the octave of Easter, on his way from Como to Milan he was ambushed and was badly wounded by assassins. At the last moment of his life he made his final confession of faith by using his blood to write on the ground: Credo in unum Deum. His assassin finally stabbed him to death. This took place on April of 1252.

He was canonized the following year, becoming the first canonized Dominican saint after the holy Patriarch. His remains are venerated upon the ark designed by Nicola of Pisa at the former Dominican Convent of San Eustorgio of Milan. His liturgical memoria is celebrated on 4 June.

Collect

Almighty God, you crowned (our brother) Saint Peter (of Verona) with martyrdom for confessing the true faith with perseverance. Give to us, your people, that same faith so that we too may receive the gift of salvation. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

8 June

BB. DIANA DE ANDALÓ AND CECILIA CESARINI

Virgins and Nuns

Today we celebrate the memoria of two spiritual daughters of Saint Dominic were played an important role in the foundation of Dominican contemplative life in Italy.

(c. 1200-1236) B. Diana de Andaló She was born in Bologna (Italy) around 1200. Attracted to the Order by the preaching of B. Reginald, she began to the first preaching friars to establish themselves in her home city by convincing her grandfather Pietro de Lovello to donate the Church and property of San Nicola delle Vignes which would be the first Dominican community in Bologna.

When S. Dominic was in Bologna in 1219, Diana and some of her companions made profession of the vow of obedience on his hands. Thus began the process of founding a Dominican monastery, but the bishop refused to give permission for fear of the powerful Andaló family who opposed her to enter religious life. She then entered the cloister of the Augustinian canonesses at Ronzano, but her family took her away even employing violence to bring her back, thus breaking her ribs in the process, a pain and wound which would accompany her throughout her life. But with her determination and single mindedness to dedicate herself as a contemplative, she once again fled to Ronzano and her family left her alone.

Meanwhile while the friars and Master B. Jordan of Saxony was able to realize the foundation of the Dominican monastery in Bologna under the patronage of S. Agnes, she and her companions saw their dreams realized and were formed into the customs and way of life of the order by the nuns of Rome. Despite her role in the foundation, she willingly a life of obscurity and dedication to prayer until her death in 1236.

The letters which B. Jordan wrote to her are a splendid testament to the spirituality of the Dominican family and to the association of brothers and sisters within the Dominican family.

(+1290) B. Cecilia Cesarini of Rome. She was born in Rome in the beginning of the XIII century. She was a young novice at the monastery of Santa Maria in Tempulo when the community accepted the reform of S. Dominic and moved to San Sisto. She received the habit from the founder himself and was an eyewitness to the many marvels wrought by him in behalf of the nuns and the Roman people.

In 1224 with the permission of Pope Honorius III, B. Jordan asked some nuns from San Sisto to come to Bologna in order to form the sisters of the newly established monastery of Sant’Agnese founded by B. Jordan and B. Diana d’Andaló. She served the community as prioress for sometime. In her old age, she bequeathed her fond memories of the holy Patriarch and the events of the foundation of San Sisto and other wonders the founder had performed in Rome. Most importantly she left us a vivid description of physical aspect of the saint. This was transmitted to us in the famous work known as  «Miracula Scti Dominici» where she reminisced the wonders and work of S. Dominic during his stay at the Eternal city. Her candid description of the physical appearance which would later be verified through modern forensic science.

She died at Bologna in 1290. Her cult was confirmed in 1891.

Liturgical note:  “Festum” for the nuns; “Memoria ad libitum” for the friars and the Dominican family.

Collect

Merciful God, as we rejoice in this feast of (our sisters) Blesseds Diana and Cecilia, help us by their example to live together in love and to preach the truth of the gospel.

10 June

B. JOHN DOMINICI

Friar, Bishop and Cardinal of the Roman Church

(1350-1419) He was born at Florence (Tuscany, Italy) in 1350. As a young boy he entered the Order of Preachers in Florence and received the priestly ordination.

After the Black Death which tragically decimated the whole of Europe and brought grave repercussions in Dominican life, he assisted B. Raymond of Capua with the reform of the Order and became known as the “principal restorer of regular observance in Italy.” Similarly he also brought the reform to the Dominican Nuns.

Concerned about questions of faith and morality which the humanism of his day posed for the faith, he wrote «Lucula noctis», a treatise on Christian education. During the Western Schism, he assisted Pope Gregory XII as a counselor and then as archbishop of Ragusa or Dubrovnik and cardinal of San Sisto.

He played an important role in the Council of Constanz and contributed in the solution to solve the Western Schism by obtaining the abdication of Gregory XII.

In 1418 Pope Martin V sent him at Papal Legate to Bohemia, Poland and Hungary to counteract the preaching of Jan Huss. He died at Buda (Hungary) in 1419.

Liturgical note:  “memoria obligatoria”.

Collect

God, source of wisdom and love, you made (our brother) Blessed John Dominici strong in goodness to sustain the unity of the Church and to renew the regular life. Lead us always to seek unity and peace.

12 June

B. STEFANO BANDELLI

Friar and Priest

(1369-1450) B. Stefano Bandelli was born at Castelnuovo Scrivia (Piedmont, Italy) in 1369. As a young man he entered the Order of Preachers and in time he was ordained a priest. He earned his doctorate at Theology and Canon Law and was for five years as professor at the University of Pavia.

He left the teaching ministry to fully dedicate himself to preach and was able to win conversions brought about a greater fervor in the Christian life. Despite his great apostolic activities, he was known and remembered as a man of study and prayer, attentive to the needs of the poor and was attributed many miracles.

He died at Saluzzo (Piedmont) in 1450. His liturgical memoria is celebrated on 12 June.

Collect

Eternal Shepherd, to lead your wandering flock back to the way of salvation, you made (our brother) Blessed Stephen (Bandelli) an outstanding preacher of the gospel. Helped by the example of his life and in close union with Christ; May we labor ardently for he gospel and so receive the promised rewards of the kingdom.

Also on the same day, 18 June

B. HOSANNA ANDREASI OF MANTUA

Virgin and Lay Dominican

(1449-1505) B. Hosanna Andreasi was born at Carbonarola (Mantua, Italy), in 1449, to a family related to the noble clan of the Gonzagas; and her life was linked to the political and religious history of the state of Mantua. Refusing matrimony which was proposed to her, at age fifteen (15), she took the habit of the Sisters of Penance of Saint Dominic.

Frequently she had to assume great responsibilities, such as the regency of the Duchy of Mantua. She was also a counsellor of the Dukes. She also developed an ample and profound social action and continued assistance to the poor and the needy. She was able to harmonize with the worldly occupations and the contemplation of God and the exercise of good works. She died at Mantua in 1505.

Collect

O God, giver of all good things, you led (our sister) Blessed Osanna (Andreassi or of Mantua) to prefer the unsearchable riches of Christ above all else and to so teach others. By following her example and teaching, may we grow to the knowledge of you and faithfully live according to the light of the gospel.

20 June

B. MARGARET EBNER

Virgin and Nun

(+1351) She was born at Donauworth in Bavaria to a well to do family around the year 1291. At age fifteen (15) she entered the Dominican monastery of Maria Mödingen in Bavaria (Germany). There she spent her whole life except for a short period when due to war she had to seek refuge with her family.

By her own account her true conversion to God began in 1311 when she was twenty years old. Soon after, she became seriously ill and was bedridden for nearly thirteen years. These years of suffering and prayer brought her to the heights of contemplative union with God. Her spiritual directors helped her greatly and animated her to write her spiritual diary, reflecting her humble life, filled with devotion and charity.

Aside from her spiritual journal she also wrote a «Commentary on the Lord’s Prayer».

She became known as one of the more prominent of the Rhineland mystics, known to both John Tauler and Henry Suso. She died in 1351.

Collect

O God , source of all goodness, you enkindled within (our sister) Blessed Margaret (Ebner) the fire of the Holy Spirit and drew her into the secrets of your divine love. By the help of her prayers and filled with that same spirit may we come t oyou by the path of Christ.

23 June

B. INNOCENT V

(PIERRE DE TARANTAISE)

Friar and Pope

(c.1224-1276) He was the Roman Pontiff from January of 1276 to June of the same year.

Known as Pierre de Tarantaise, he was born at Savoy around 1224, and in 1240 he joined the Order of Preachers at Lyons. He studied at Paris where he was able to earn his mastership of Theology and where he continued as a professor.

He was appointed to be part of a commission of experts to draw the first Ratio of Studies to oversee the academic and theological formation of the brethren and the organization of studies in the order.  Twice he was chosen as Prior Provincial of France. 

In 1272 he was appointed Archbishop of Lyon, and in the following year attended the II Ecumenical Council of Lyon to seek the unity among the Latins and the separated Greeks.

In 1276 Pierre was elected Pope and took the name Innocent. He died within five months of his election on June 22, 1276.

He was buried at the Roman Basilica of S. John Lateran. His liturgical memoria is celebrated on 23 June.

Collect

God of truth, you bestowed on (our brother) Blessed Innocent (V) the gifts of knowledge and prudence and made him a promoter of peace and unity. By the help of his prayers may we cherish what is of heaven and in perfect unity follow what is right.

25 June

S. DOMINIC HENARES

Friar and Bishop, and

S. FRANCIS DO MINH CHIEU

Layman

Martyrs of Viet nam

(+1838) They were martyrs of Tunkin who were beheaded at the city of Nam Dinh on 25 June, 1838, after suffering for imprisonment and tortures during the reign of emperor Minh Manh. They werebeatified in 1900 and canonized in 1988.

(1765-1838) S. Dominic Henares He was born at Baena, (Cordova, Spain) in 1765. He joined the Dominicans of Andalucia in 1783 and while still a student-brother, he voluntarily presented himself for the missions in the Far East. In 1786, he went to Manila where he finished his studies and was ordained there. He was working for a time in the Philippines until 1790 he was assigned to the Dominican missions in Tunkin, in present-day North Viet nam.

There among his many ministries, he served as Director of the Latin College at Ninh Cuong, Pro-Vicar Provincial, Vicar General of the Bishop and later his coadjutor.

In 1800 he was appointed Vicar Apostolic and titular bishop of Fez. He worked tirelessly in the evangelization of the pagans and in the consolidation of the Christian community, in the midst of dangers and persecutions. His personal life, he never failed to manifest the virtues of piety and prudence, wisdom and charity, purity and patience. In 1838 when the anti-Christian persecutions began, he was immediately arrested. He was kept in a bamboo cage and was taken to the capital, where he had to appear many times before tribunals.

On 25 June, 1838, he was beheaded and his head was thrown into the river which was miraculously rescued by a Christian fisherman.

(1808-1838) S. Francis Do Van Chieu was born in Tunkin, (North Viet nam,) to a Christian family in 1808. From his youth he had always been a faithful catechist and collaborator of the holy bishop Dominic Henares who he accompanied in all his pastoral trips around the mission. During the anti-Christian persecution he was identified for not stepping on the crucifixes the soldiers had placed on strategic locations in the cities and byways. He shared the same fate of his beloved bishop.

Liturgical note:  His liturgical “memoria” is celebrated collectively with the rest of the canonized martyrs of Viet nam on 24 November under the title of “S. Ignatius Delgado and Companion Martyrs of Viet nam”’. In the Province of the Holy Rosary, it enjoys the rank of “Festum”.

Collect

0 God, who were pleased to water the Church of Viet nam with the blood of the holy martyrs, (our brother) the bishop Dominic (Henares) and his companion, Saint Dominic (Do van Chieu);mercifully grant that we who joyfully call to mind their triumph, may be helped by their prayers and merits: through our Lord.

27 June

S. THOMAS TOAN

Lay Dominican and Martyr

(1765-1840) He was born at Can Phan (Thai-binh, Tunkin), in present day Viet  nam in 1765. He was a fervent member of the III Order of Saint Dominic and worked as a catechist and procurator of this missionary district.

He was denounced as a Christian and as such he was arrested. In prison he suffered all forms of tortures so that he would renege his faith, including the punishment of being detained together with two renegade Christians who invented all forms of accusations and vexations so that he may give up his faith. Though he had his moment of weakness, and seemed to have given in; but as soon as he was moved to another prison, he met S. Dominic Tranh, he was able to recover his strength, repented his sins and once again proclaimed his faith before the authorities.

He was imprisoned and left to die. He finally won the crown of martyrdom in misery, thirst and hunger. His body was swollen from the blows inflicted on him and had lost his eyesight. He was aged seventy-five (75).

His martyrdom took place in Nam Dinh, in 1840 during the reign of the Tunkinese emperor Minh Manh.

Liturgical note: His liturgical “memoria” is celebrated collectively with the rest of the canonized martyrs of Viet nam on 24 November under the title of “S. Ignatius Delgado and Companion Martyrs of Viet nam”’. In the Province of the Holy Rosary, it enjoys the rank of “Festum”.

Collect

As we commemorate the passion of your martyr, S. Peter (Toan), O Lord, may we worthily proclaim the death of your only Begotten Son who, not content with encouraging the martyrs by word, strengthened them likewise by example.