Table of Contents
Tôma Trần Văn Thiện
Seminarian
1820 - 1838
Feast Day: 21/9
#Seminarian
Heroic Youth
In a trial in 1836, the judge was moved by the young prisoner with the graceful demeanor of a scholar, a pleasant and handsome face, promising a bright future. He gently told him, "If you renounce your faith, I will give you my daughter in marriage and ensure you have a position."
The young man, Tôma Trần Văn Thiện, responded firmly, "I only desire authority in heaven, and am not interested in worldly fame."
Despite being only 18, a tender age full of life and yet to experience life's sufferings or deeply learn about the doctrine, Tôma Thiện, just at the doorstep of the seminary, skillfully confronted violence. He was no less than any other faithful warrior in the world. Indeed, he understood Christ's words: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?" (Mt.16,26).
Do you want to "stay with" the father?
"Uncle Thiện," as contemporaries called seminarians, was born in 1820 in a devout family in Trung Quán village, Quảng Bình province.
Nun Madalena Yến, a contemporary witness, recalled: "Uncle Thiện had an aunt named Aunt Nghị, the most virtuous woman in Trung Quán. He often visited her and was very polite and courteous. When a priest came to offer mass at their home, he knelt solemnly. By eight or nine, he began studying Confucianism, showing intelligence, determination, and rapid progress.
Once, he accompanied Aunt Nghị to a mass in Mỹ Lương. After the service, they greeted the priests. Seeing the handsome and gentle boy, they asked, "Would you like to join us in priesthood?" Tôma Thiện said nothing. However, shortly after, he was often seen at Father Chính's house in Kẻ Sen village. This priest taught him Latin for many years."
Look at my blood flowing
Due to his gentle nature and intelligence, at 18 (1838), Uncle Thiện was called to the Di Loan seminary in Quảng Trị by director Candalh Kim. Upon hearing this, Uncle Thiện and his sister Sao eagerly set out. On their way, they met Nun Yến from Di Loan, who informed them that Father Candalh Kim had to flee and soldiers were searching for him. She advised them not to continue, but Uncle Thiện was determined: "Even if we don't meet the director, we must reach our destination. He called us; we cannot turn back before arriving."
Arriving at the seminary, the siblings met Father Tự. He said, "We're still hiding and you brought him here, adding to our difficulties." Sao replied, "Father, I brought my brother because of the letter from the director. We didn't know about the sudden persecution."
Two days later, soldiers surrounded Di Loan village and searched each house. Unable to find Father Kim, they interrogated the villagers about the director's whereabouts. The officer advised Uncle Thiện to renounce his faith or face death. Uncle Thiện honestly replied, "I'm from Trung Quán, Quảng Bình, here to study faith. My faith teaches me that God's way is the true way; I am ready to die for it."
The officer tried to persuade him multiple times, highlighting his youth, promising future, and offering promotions if he renounced his faith. He even wanted to take him as a son-in-law and take care of his wedding. But Uncle Thiện refused: "I only desire authority in heaven, not worldly positions."
Few could utter such bold words. Among the arrested, many felt pity that he missed a "golden opportunity." With his scholar's demeanor and strong spirit, he amazed the officer. This amazement turned to anger as he felt disrespected by the young man's refusal of his "generosity." He ordered Uncle Thiện to be flogged. After 40 lashes on his frail body, blood seeping through his clothes, the brave witness smiled and said, "Look at my blood flowing."
Seeing his courage, the officer ordered Uncle Thiện to be shackled and imprisoned.
In prison, Tôma Thiện had no relatives to care for or supply him. The Di Loan faithful were also imprisoned. Initially, they shared some food with him, but later, they received nothing. They had been persuaded by the officer in hopes of returning to their families. However, they were not immediately released. The officer used them to pressure Tôma Thiện, but he remained steadfast in his faith.
Uncle Thiện continued to be interrogated and beaten twice more, but he gladly accepted it. With each lash, he prayed, "Lord, give me the strength to suffer for You." He also endured sun exposure and shackling, but the young hero's spirit remained unbroken, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and rare faith.
Shared Suffering, Shared Glory
After failing to break Tôma Thiện's spirit, the officer imprisoned him with Father Jaccard Phan. The reunion was joyous. Uncle Thiện was comforted, encouraged, and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Father Phan was proud to have such a courageous spiritual son. Together, they prayed, supported each other, and remained faithful to their belief.
Faced with their unwavering spirit, the officer decided to execute both. The verdict for Uncle Thiện read: "Thiện, seduced by Catholicism and unyielding even after torture, must die like his religious leader."
The verdict was sent to the capital. Nearly a month later, Emperor Minh Mạng approved it and changed the sentence to beheading. While waiting, Uncle Thiện said to Father Phan, "Father, they are keeping us alive for too long. Why don't they let us become martyrs soon to be united with the Lord forever?" He also wrote a farewell letter to his family, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
On the morning of September 21, 1838, the two witnesses of Christ were led to the execution ground in Nhan Biều village near Quảng Trị. When passing a restaurant, the leading officer allowed them a last meal. Father Phan declined, and Uncle Thiện asked, "Shouldn't we save our appetite for the heavenly banquet?" At the execution site, Tôma Thiện knelt before Father, shackles were removed, and a noose was placed around his neck. When the order was given, the ropes were pulled tight, and the young martyr fell. Father Phan was executed similarly.
Unlike previous martyrs, no faithful followed to request a burial. Outsiders buried them at the execution ground. In 1847, the martyrs' remains were exhumed and honored at the Paris Foreign Missions Society seminary.
On May 27, 1900, Pope Leo XIII beatified seminarian Tôma Trần Văn Thiện. On June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized him