St. Michael Ho Dinh Hy: Adulterer and Martyr

I recently picked up a book called Pray for Us, a unique collection of stories about saints—many of whom had wild and messy pasts. One story, in particular, stood out to me: the story of St. Michael Ho Dinh Hy.

Michael was a successful Vietnamese businessman, a Catholic, and in many ways, a devout man. But there was one stain on his story—he was an adulterer. He fathered two children outside of his marriage, and though he repented, he could never quite shake the weight of his guilt.

He once said, “If the whole sea was Christ’s blood, it would not be enough to wash my sins away.” What a devastating statement. He believed the only way he could truly be cleansed, the only path to heaven, was through martyrdom.

Years later, he was given that chance. Amidst a brutal persecution of Catholics in Vietnam, Michael was arrested. For days, he endured torture, yet he never denied the faith. When his captors realized they couldn’t break him, they sentenced him to be beheaded.

His final moments on earth have become legendary. As he stepped onto the execution platform, he smoked one last cigarette, fixed his hair, and then knelt in prayer. In the crowd, two priests secretly absolved him of his sins. And then, with courage, he met his fate—and ultimately, his Savior.

St. Michael Ho Dinh Hy’s story is one that brings me deep encouragement. He was an unfaithful man who found hope in the ever-faithful mercy of Christ. And if there is a place in heaven for him, then surely there is hope for sinners like me.

St. Michael Ho Dinh Hy, pray for us.