(1907-1940)
His life
+ Filip was born in Nong Seng, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. He became a catechist in 1926.
+ In 1931, Filip married Marie Thong and the couple had five children.
+ When a persecution of Christians erupted in 1931, the parish priest was exiled and Filip assumed leadership of the local Christian community. He actively opposed police harassment of his fellow Christians.
+ After being ordered to report to the police headquarters in on December 16, 1940, he was ambushed, tortured, and murdered.
+ Blessed Filip was beatified with six other Thai martyrs in 1989. These martyrs are honored collectively on December 26 as the Martyrs of Thailand.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Church honors the memory of Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. These three men are celebrated for their steadfast faith in the third chapter of the prophecy of Daniel. Their canticle of praise forms part morning prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours on Sunday of the first week of the Psalter and on each feast and solemnity of the Church Year.
For reflection
“We are well prepared. When we will be gone, we will remember you. Please take pity on our souls. We will be thankful to you and will be grateful to you for it. And on the last day we will see each other face to face. Do wait and see, please. We keep your commands, oh God, we wish to be witnesses to You; dear God.”—From the final letter written by Blessed Agnes Phila, a Sister of the Congregation of Lovers of the Cross, martyred on December 26, 1940.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Filip. to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
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