Friday, September 5, 2025

The Great Cloud of Witnesses

St. Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M.

St. Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh

September 5

Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh, also known as Joseph Canh or Joseph Canh Luang Hoang, was born around 1763 in Làng Van, Bac Giang, Vietnam. Little is known about his early life, but he dedicated himself to serving God and his fellow believers. As a lifelong layman in the apostolic vicariate of East Tonkin, Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh took on various roles to spread the teachings of the Catholic faith. He became a physician, using his medical skills to provide care and healing to those in need. Furthermore, he was a dedicated catechist, imparting knowledge about the Catholic doctrines to others. Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh also joined the Dominican tertiary, an order of laypeople associated with the Dominican friars. Through his affiliation with this religious community, he deepened his spiritual life and embraced a life of prayer, service, and commitment to the Gospel. During the period of persecution against Christians in Vietnam, Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh remained steadfast in his faith. He faced numerous challenges and threats to his life but refused to renounce his Catholic beliefs. Despite the constant danger, he continued to minister to his fellow believers, providing them with spiritual guidance and support. Sadly, on September 5, 1838, in Bac Ninh Tai, Vietnam, Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh was martyred for his faith. He was beheaded for his unwavering allegiance to the Catholic Church and his refusal to denounce his beliefs. The courage and dedication demonstrated by Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh in the face of persecution did not go unnoticed. On July 2, 1899, Pope Leo XIII officially recognized his martyrdom with a decree, venerated him as a saint. Another significant recognition came on May 27, 1900, when Pope Leo XIII beatified Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh, further acknowledging his virtuous and holy life. Finally, on June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh, elevating him to the illustrious rank of a recognized saint in the Catholic Church. Today, Saint Giuse Hoàng Luong Canh is commemorated on September 5 and also on November 24, as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. Although there is no specific patronage associated with him, he stands as a shining example of faith, courage, and dedication to God, inspiring Catholics to live their convictions boldly even in challenging times.

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