St. Thomas Tran Van Thien was born in 1820 from a devout family at Trung Quan, Quang Binh, to Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Mien. His two older sisters were Yen and Sao. Later Yen became a nun. He was cherished and supported in religious vocation by an aunt of his who was the mother superior of the convent. Since his father died when he was only 10 years old, it was Father Chinh who took care of his education that would prepare him to be a future seminarian.

By that period, King Minh Mang, harboring a deadly hatred against Catholics to the point of uprooting it, consequently has decreed a ban on Catholicism, ordering that all its adherents should step over the cross as a sign of apostasy (giving up their faith).

At 18, Thomas Thien was summoned to enter An Ninh Seminary in Di Loan. Despite the persecution at its climax, Thien resolutely set off with his older sister Sao to Di Loan, obeying the superior’s order and defying possible dangers.

When informed by Sister Yen about the ongoing persecution at Di Loan and the underground operation of Father Rector Kim, he said to her: “Although I may not see him, I must get there to be sure. He has called me, I cannot help but report.”

It was the spirit of submission to the superior and dutifulness. On the way to Di Loan he was arrested, bound with a yoke and brought back to Quang Tri. He was told under showers of beatings and torments: “Give up your religion and be freed.”

He answered: “The religion that teaches me to worship God is the real one, I cannot forsake it.” Official: “It is the royal decree. Beheading to those stubborn.” Thien: “I prefer being beheaded to rejecting my religion.”

In vain with strong measures, the official began to lure him: “If you abandon your religion I will marry you to my daughter and appoint you to government office.”
Firmly Thien replied: “I only wish to become an officer in heaven rather than an officer on this earth.”

The mandarin again showed his sympathy: “You are still young and good-looking. Step over the cross according to the royal order to get freedom. Then you can go home and practice your faith in any way you like. Just give it up and we’ll see.”

It was the heroism of a person who resolutely held fast to his chosen ideal, not looking for any short-lived gain by an even faking acceptance. It was also the most severe “temptation” of Thien who would not have lost anything if he had given himself in. He would have more time than enough to restart his life!

Similar to the temptation in the desert of the Lord Jesus, Thomas Thien had to face trials: being tempted to turn material and physical needs such as bread or marry a noble girl into the goals of life; being tempted to an instant success by his youthfulnes. Yet Thien stuck fast to his faith, defying death. He had once for all chosen his salvation as the true value of life. He knew well that only this choice would bring him happiness. He truly believed in himself as if the Lord spoke to him: “You are precious to my eyes and honorable, I love you.” (Is 43:5) and “ You belong to the chosen race.” (1 Peter 2:9), the race of ascending dragon and fairy, flying phoenix, not of earthly poultry fed with dusty fodder. He was proud of his Vietnamese heritage which means always going head up, always reaching and flying up, and never stepping back.

Because of that attitude the official became angry and had the soldiers beat him pitilessly, then force him to sit under the summer burning sun along with Father Phan without any food nor drink! Afterwards they tortured him with white-hot pincers that burned his skin to smoke. Once they used the cold pliers that also hurt a lot. Yet Thomas did not cease to pray that God give him strength to endure and stay loyal to his faith. Finally, he was sentenced to death by hanging on September 21, 1838 at the execution field of Nhan Bieu when he was only 18 years of age.

[Source: http://www.nolaviet.com]