Born in Vietnam in 1755 as Bernard Due Van Vo, not much more is known about St. Bernard. At some point, he converted to Catholicism and became a priest. He then spent many decades working as a missionary for the Church in Vietnam. In 1838, at the age of 83, he declared his faith and priesthood to a group of soldiers in Tonkin. He was immediately arrested and beheaded. Later, on June 19, 1988, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. November 24 is his feast day.
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever had to make a decision that you knew many of those around you would not accept? How did you respond to them?
- If you were threatened because of your values or beliefs, what would you do?
