Born in 1781 Agnes Le Thi Thanh lived a quiet life. She was a devout Christian wife and mother of six. Saint Agnes Le Thi Thanh was unique. She was the only non-clergy woman among 117 Vietnamese martyrs. She lived in northern Vietnam. Her faith led her to secretly help native priests evade persecution under Emperor Minh Mang. This was incredibly dangerous work. The emperor’s decrees harshly targeted Christians.
At age 60 Agnes was arrested. This happened during a raid targeting Catholic priests. A well-known priest Father Ly was also arrested. Agnes faced brutal torture. She was beaten savagely. Poisonous snakes were used to taunt her. Despite this she remained strong in her faith.
Imagine the terror. Snakes were placed inside her pants. She prayed earnestly. Miraculously the snakes didn’t bite. She remained calm. Agnes’s resilience was remarkable. A witness described her body covered in blood yet still happy to endure. Her youngest daughter visited. She saw her mother’s wounds. She cried. Agnes comforted her. She called the bloodstains red roses of courage. Her husband pleaded with her to recant. She refused. She chose faith over family. She trusted in God. She would follow Jesus to the end.
Agnes Le Thi Thanh died in prison of dysentery. This was a result of mistreatment and unsanitary conditions. She left behind her husband and six children. Her feast day is July 12 1841. She was beatified in 1909. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988. Saint Agnes Le Thi Thanh is a symbol of faith. She is a role model for Vietnamese Catholic mothers. This church in New Orleans honors her. She stands as a testament to enduring faith under immense pressure. Remember her sacrifice. Remember her courage.