Vietnam: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has said that the witness of a true martyr helps a world filled with confusion discover the truth of Jesus Christ, as he led the beatification Mass of Vietnamese priest Father Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp in southern Vietnam on Thursday.
The beatification ceremony took place at the Tắc Sậy pilgrimage centre in Cà Mau Province, where the remains of the newly beatified priest are preserved and where thousands of pilgrims regularly gather to pray. Cardinal Tagle presided over the celebration as the representative of Pope Leo XIV, honouring a priest who gave his life to save others during one of the darkest periods in Vietnam's history.
Father Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp served as parish priest of Tắc Sậy and became widely known for his deep commitment to the people entrusted to his care. Even as violence spread across the region in the aftermath of the Second World War, he chose to remain with his parishioners instead of seeking safety.
In 1946, he was captured along with about 70 other people by armed Japanese deserter militiamen. The group threatened to burn all the captives alive. Father Diệp offered his own life in exchange for the freedom of the others. His offer was accepted, allowing the captives to escape. His body, bearing signs of violence, was later discovered in a nearby pond.
Speaking during the beatification Mass, Cardinal Tagle described Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp as a faithful shepherd who never abandoned his people, even in the face of certain death. He said the priest reflected the love, justice and compassion of Jesus through his service to both Christians and non Christians, remaining faithful until the very end.
The Cardinal said that martyrs are the greatest missionaries because they proclaim Christ not only through words but also through the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. He said that in a world often divided by hatred, violence and falsehood, the witness of martyrs remains a powerful sign of hope and truth.
He urged Christians to become bearers of truth instead of contributing to division and misinformation. He challenged the faithful to examine the choices they make every day, asking whether they would spread false news or share the teachings of Jesus, follow changing worldly trends or embrace the charity and simplicity shown by Christ, and seek worldly success or remain faithful to the Gospel.
Cardinal Tagle also encouraged believers to imitate the courage and commitment of Blessed Francis Xavier by responding generously to Christ's call. He reminded them that true disciples remain close to Jesus not only in times of comfort but also during suffering and persecution.
He asked the faithful to reflect on whether they would choose wealth gained through corruption or remain honest even in poverty, whether they would keep unnecessary possessions for themselves or share with those in need, and whether they would seek personal comfort or stand beside those who suffer.
The Cardinal said that the strength of every martyr comes from hope in the resurrection of Christ. He stressed that lasting hope cannot be found in earthly riches, popularity or power, but only in God's Kingdom.
Continuing his reflection, Cardinal Tagle questioned whether people place their trust in material wealth or in the eternal promises of Christ, whether they depend on social media popularity or on the enduring presence of Jesus, and whether they rely on weapons and conflict or on the peace offered by the Gospel.
He concluded his homily by asking for the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he recalled Christ's words, saying that peacemakers are called children of God and that those who suffer persecution for righteousness belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.
The beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp marks an important moment for the Catholic Church in Vietnam, recognising a priest whose life of selfless service, courage and sacrifice continues to inspire Christians both within the country and around the world. His example remains a reminder that faith, love and hope can triumph even in the face of violence and death.