Cardinal Tagle: A martyr helps a confused world discover Jesus’ truth
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
Fr. Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp’s witness and martyrdom invite us to respond to Jesus’ calling to proclaim his love in our daily lives through charity and embracing the suffering of others, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said at the Mass for his beatification, celebrated in Vietnam on July 2, 2026.
Fr. Diệp was a parish priest in Tắc Sậy, southern Vietnam, who dedicated himself tirelessly to the faithful entrusted to him to the point of giving his life for them, refusing to abandon his flock despite the dangerous situation that was brewing in the days before his death.
He was killed in 1946 in the violent aftermath of the Second World War by Japanese deserter militiamen who had captured him along with 70 other people and threatened to burn them alive. Fr. Diệp offered himself to the armed gang in exchange for the liberation of the others.
The people were freed, and his maimed body was later found in a pond.
“Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp never wavered in manifesting the charity and justice of Jesus to the poor, the love of Jesus that embraces all, even non-Christians, and the fidelity of Jesus the Good Shepherd who does not leave His flock alone to be devoured by wolves, thieves and marauders,” said Cardinal Tagle in his homily.
Cardinal Tagle presided over the beatification as Pope Leo XIV’s envoy, and it was celebrated at the Tắc Sậy pilgrimage center - where Fr. Diệp’s remains are located – in the southern Cà Mau province.
The world needs bearers of truth
In his homily, Cardinal Tagle reflected that being a martyr means being a “missionary par excellence,” as martyrs bear witness to Christ and proclaim his truth, even to the point of giving their lives for him.
“A true martyr helps a confused world to discover the truth of Jesus. The world needs true martyrs and bearers of truth. Let us not add to the increasing number of messengers of falsehood, hatred, division and violence,” Cardinal Tagle said.
He underlined how Blessed Diệp courageously kept the light of Christ shining despite those who wanted to extinguish it and his witness calls us to do the same in our lives.
“Which will we choose: to spread fake news or the teachings of Jesus? To behave and dress according to the latest fashion or according to the charity and simplicity of Jesus? To be proud of our worldly achievements or to be proud of Jesus?” asked Cardinal Tagle.
Respond to Jesus’ call
He emphasized how “a true disciple profoundly loves Jesus, remains with Him and shares in His persecution,” just like Father Diệp did. This new Blessed is thus inviting us “to respond to Jesus’ calling, to choose Jesus, to cling to the words of Jesus and to proclaim the name of Jesus in our daily life.”
“What will we choose,” Cardinal Tagle asked again, “becoming rich by corruption or remaining poor but honest? Accumulating property that you do not need or sharing it with the poor and needy? Seeking your own safety and convenience or embracing the suffering of others?”
Place your hope in Christ
Lastly, Cardinal Tagle noted how the relationship of a martyr with Christ is sustained by hope in his Resurrection, especially in the face of persecution.
“Blessed Francis Xavier is inviting us to place our hope only in Jesus and in His Kingdom. Only such hope can give meaning and sustain our lives and mission on earth, not the fleeting treasures of the world,” Cardinal Tagle insisted, asking another series of questions again.
“What will we choose: to rely on earthly wealth or on the everlasting riches in Jesus’ Kingdom? Will we rely on fame, the number of followers and likes in social media or on Jesus’ promise to be with us forever? Will we rely on weapons of war or on Jesus’ gift of peace?”
The Cardinal concluded his homily by praying for the intercession of the Virgin Mary and of Blessed Diệp and by citing the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”
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