![[Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung]](http://saints.sqpn.com/saintn03.jpg "photo of Blessed Nicholas, photographer unknown; thanks to Thaweechot Tatiyapermpoon")
Also known as
- Benedikto Chunkim
- Benedikto Xunkim
- Nicholas Bunker Kitbamrung
- Nikholas Buykoet Krisbamrung
- Nikola Bunkerd Kitbamrung
Profile
One of six children. His parents were converts, and he was raised as a Christian. Entered the Hang Xan Minor Seminary at age 13, and the Penang Major Seminary, Malaysia in 1920. Ordained in the archdiocese of Bangkok, Thailand in 1926. Pastor at Bang Nok Khneuk and Phitsanulok. Missionary to northern Vietnam from 1930 to 1937, working to bring back Catholics who had fallen from their practice due to poverty.
When war broke out between France and Indochina, Nicholas was accused of spying for the French. In 1941 he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison. There he contracted tuberculosis which, with the hardships of prison, eventually killed him, but not before he spent two years bringing the faith to his fellow prisoners, baptizing at least 68. Thailand’s first martyr priest.
Born
- 28 February 1895 at Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- 12 January 1944 of tuberculosis at Bangkok, Thailand
- 27 January 2000 by Pope John Paul II (decree on martyrdom)
- if you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Nicholas, contact
Assumption Cathedral
Charoenkrung 40, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500, THAILAND
Additional Information
- Hagiography Circle
- Roman Martyrology
- Santi e Beati
- Shrine of Blessed Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung
MLA Citation
- “Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung“. Saints.SQPN.com. 12 January 2013. Web. 21 May 2013. <>