Saint Daminh Ninh

Biography

Saint Daminh Ninh, also known as Domenic, Dominic, or Domenico, was born around the year 1835 in Trung Linh, Nam Ðinh, Vietnam. He was a Christian peasant farmer in the apostolic vicariate of Central Tonkin (modern Vietnam) during a time of severe persecution against Christians. Emperor Tu-Duc, who ruled Vietnam at the time, issued orders for Christians to renounce their faith as a means to suppress the spread of Christianity. In the face of these unjust demands, Saint Daminh Ninh remained steadfast in his faith and refused to comply with the emperor's command to step on a crucifix, thereby displaying his contempt for Christianity. Saint Daminh's refusal to renounce his faith resulted in his being imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately executed. The exact details of his sufferings in prison and the manner of his death are not well-documented, but it is known that he was beheaded on June 2, 1862, in the village of An Triêm, Nam Ðinh, Vietnam. For his courageous witness to the Catholic faith and his refusal to abandon his beliefs under the most severe circumstances, Saint Daminh Ninh has been recognized as a martyr. His martyrdom was officially acknowledged by Pope Pius XII on February 11, 1951, with a decree of martyrdom. Just a few months later, on April 29, 1951, Pope Pius XII beatified him, acknowledging his holiness and the example he set for other Catholic faithful. Saint Daminh Ninh is celebrated and venerated as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam. His feast days are observed on June 2 and November 24, together with other Vietnamese martyrs who faced similar hardships and sacrificed their lives for their Christian faith. While there may not be specific patronages associated with Saint Daminh Ninh, he serves as an inspiration to all Christians, especially those enduring persecution and struggling to maintain their faith in challenging circumstances. His courage and unwavering devotion to Christ are a testament to the power of faith even in the face of extreme adversity. Saint Daminh Ninh's life and martyrdom serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless ordinary men and women in Vietnam who bravely held on to their Catholic beliefs, despite the perilous conditions in which they lived. Their unwavering commitment to their faith continues to inspire and strengthen the faithful around the world.