Ven Francis Xavier Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan Wooden Doll Ornament

Handmade original Ven Francis Xavier Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan Wooden Doll Ornament. Perfect for the Christmas Tree. Bring out on feast day or for a Novena. Gift for a birthday or sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage) celebration. Teacher, priest, grandparent gift.

Born in 1928 to a devout Catholic Vietnamese family, related to martyrs as far back as 1698. Ordained in 1958, consecrated a Bishop in 1967 (motto “Gaudium et Spes,” joy and hope), appointed Coadjutor Archbishop in 1975, one week before the Communists took over Saigon. Seen as a threat, imprisoned for 13 years, 9 in solitary confinement. He wrote messages of hope to the faithful, celebrated Mass with drops of water and wine using his hands as a chalice, and recited the Missal from memory. Saw his prison guards as family, so successfully evangelizing them that they were replaced regularly. Some of his guards slipped in wire and wood for him to make a crucifix, which he later wore encased in metal around his neck. Released from prison in 1988 but kept under house arrest in Hanoi. Allowed to travel to Rome in 1991 but not return to Vietnam. A model of Christian hope and forgiveness, appointed to Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and an inspiration to Vietnamese faithful. Died in 2002.

Made of wood, felt, ribbon, and handmade accessories. Includes tag and card with Saint's biography and description. Approximately 4" tall. Packaged in cellophane bag. Shipped in box with bubble wrap.