St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions Novena
Pray the St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions Novena with daily reflections and original prayers. Learn its feast, intentions, biblical roots, and how Catholics explain the devotion.
Feast: November 24 · Length: 9 days
This guide uses nine days ending the day before the feast date named here. It is an optional devotional schedule, not a universal obligation; local calendars may differ.
Common intentions: Vietnamese Catholics, catechists, persecuted Christians, families, faithful courage
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What is this novena?
The Vietnamese martyrs’ feast honors a community, not only one priest. Pray for people who face pressure because of their faith, while also asking for the wisdom to seek safety, practical support, and peace. The Church does not ask people to seek persecution.
History and origin
Andrew Dũng-Lạc was a Vietnamese priest remembered with 116 companions, including Vietnamese laypeople and missionaries from Spain and France. They were canonized together in 1988. These nine days of reflections and prayers are original Catholic Explained compositions, not a historic text attributed to the martyrs.
Are novenas biblical?
Scripture does not command a particular modern nine-day prayer booklet. It does teach persistent prayer: Jesus encourages perseverance in Luke 18:1, and Acts 1:14 describes the disciples praying together with Mary before Pentecost. Catholics connect that prayerful waiting with the later novena tradition. The biblical principle is perseverance; the particular devotional form is a way of practicing it, not a substitute for the Gospel or the sacraments.
Who are Catholics praying to?
Catholics worship God alone. Asking a saint to pray with us is not asking that saint to replace Jesus or to act independently of him. The Church understands those who live in Christ as members of his Body, and Revelation 5:8 depicts the prayers of the holy ones in heaven. This supports Catholic belief in heavenly intercession as part of a wider biblical and traditional argument; it does not mean one verse prescribes every modern devotion.
What to Say
“I’m asking St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions to pray with me, not worshiping a creature instead of God. A novena gives me nine days to bring a need to Jesus with perseverance. It doesn’t guarantee a result or take the place of living my faith.”
Prayer authorship and devotional notes
The daily reflections, intentions, and prayers on this page are original Catholic Explained compositions. They are not attributed to the saint, presented as an official liturgical text, or claimed to be the only traditional form. Established traditional wording may be followed through the linked sources where available. A novena is an optional devotion, not a sacrament or a guarantee. If you miss a day, continue calmly; you do not have to restart out of fear.
Day 1 of 9: A faith first received
Romans 10:14–17Reflection
Andrew first learned about Christ through a catechist who welcomed him. Faith is often handed on through patient teaching and friendship.
Intention
Catechists and the people who first helped you know Christ.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
God our Father, bless those who teach the faith with patience. Through the prayers of Andrew and his companions, help me receive and share the Gospel with gratitude.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 2 of 9: Courage in daily life
2 Timothy 1:6–8Reflection
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel. Courage is not loudness; it is faithful action without contempt for others.
Intention
Christians who are pressured to hide or abandon their faith.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen all who face pressure for your name. Give me courage shaped by love, wisdom, and respect.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 3 of 9: A community that supports
Galatians 6:2–5Reflection
The martyrs’ story includes families and communities who helped one another. Christian courage is strengthened by practical care.
Intention
Families and communities supporting believers in difficulty.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
God of compassion, make your Church attentive to people carrying heavy burdens. Show me one concrete way to help someone today.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 4 of 9: Lay witnesses
1 Peter 2:9–12Reflection
The Vietnamese martyrs included laypeople as well as clergy. Baptism gives every Christian a real share in the Church’s witness.
Intention
Lay Catholics, especially those who quietly serve their parish.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Father, help laypeople live the Gospel in their work, homes, and neighborhoods. May the martyrs’ example renew my baptismal responsibility.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 5 of 9: Truth without hatred
Romans 12:14–21Reflection
The Gospel rejects revenge. Praying for persecuted Christians can include seeking justice and protection without wishing evil on an enemy.
Intention
Victims of religious violence and people tempted by hatred.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Lord, protect those in danger and bring wrongdoers to conversion and justice. Keep my own heart from hatred.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 6 of 9: The Church across cultures
Revelation 7:9–10Reflection
The 117 canonized martyrs came from different places and vocations. Their shared witness points toward a Church gathered from every nation.
Intention
The Church in Vietnam and Christian communities around the world.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
God of all peoples, bless the Vietnamese Church. Teach us to honor cultures, listen carefully, and live together in Christ.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 7 of 9: Faithful service
Matthew 5:13–16Reflection
The martyrs’ witness is remembered because their lives pointed beyond themselves to Christ. Ordinary service can also make faith visible.
Intention
People who serve without recognition, especially catechists and caregivers.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Jesus, light of the world, make my service sincere and useful. Let my actions give glory to the Father rather than to myself.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 8 of 9: Perseverance with prudence
Luke 21:12–19Reflection
Jesus prepares his disciples for difficulty, but Christian courage is not recklessness. Seek wise counsel and protect people who are vulnerable.
Intention
Believers deciding how to respond to threats or discrimination.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Lord, guide people facing danger toward safe help and wise support. Give them perseverance without fear-driven isolation.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 9 of 9: Continue in hope
Romans 8:31–39Reflection
A novena ends, but prayer and charity continue. Entrust the outcome to God and choose one faithful action for the days ahead.
Intention
All who need renewed hope and the freedom to live their faith.
Original Catholic Explained prayer
Father, keep me rooted in Christ’s love. Through Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions, help me live with faithful courage and generous care. Amen.
Closing prayer
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions about praying a novena
Can I start this novena at any time?
Yes. You can begin a personal nine-day prayer whenever you need it. The displayed feast preparation window is a devotional calendar choice, not a requirement. Your personal progress is separate from that calendar.
What if I miss a day?
Continue calmly. A novena is a private devotion, not a magic formula or a test you fail by missing a day. You may pray the missed day and continue without restarting out of fear.
Are these prayers a guaranteed way to receive what I ask for?
No. Prayer seeks God’s will rather than control over him. You may ask confidently while continuing responsible action, sacramental life, and appropriate help.
Who wrote the prayers on this page?
Catholic Explained wrote these reflections, intentions, and prayers. They are clearly identified as original compositions, not words attributed to a saint or the only traditional form of the devotion. Follow the cited devotional resources for traditional wording where available.
Sources
- Vatican News — Sts. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions
- Luke 18 — perseverance in prayer
- Acts 1 — the disciples gathered in prayer
- Revelation 5 — the prayers of the holy ones
- Catechism, CCC 2725–2745 — the battle of prayer
Keep learning
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