Everyone knows we are called the The English Martyrs School – but do you actually know who the English Martyrs were or what they did? Well, this article will help!
To begin the story, we need to take a jump back to 16th Century England and catch up with King Henry VIII – That’s correct, the one who had six wives.
Shortly after marrying his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, he requested the marriage to be annulled from Pope Clement VII. Getting the marriage annulled would declare it null and void, almost like it never happened.
The Pope denied the request. Infuriated by the Pope’s disagreement, the King started a series of events that would later be known as The English Reformation.
The Church of England was separated from The Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, he appointed himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England and dissolved convents and monasteries.
After the Reformation, a violent wave of anti-Catholic persecution began – and lasted over a century. It started with the executions of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher but didn’t end there.
Hundreds were killed between 1535 and 1680; the Church recognized the heroism of 40 martyrs from England and Wales in a canonization ceremony on October 25, 1970.
Later, a separate feast day was created that would take place on 4th May each year to recognize the 284 canonized or beatified martyrs of the English Reformation.
And that brings us today – a feast day that is still celebrated. It was the sacrifice of the martyrs that allow us to freely practice our Catholic faith in England today.
Here are five of The English Martyrs, who you will recognise. Our houses in school are named after them.
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PSALM 30
Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me,
for you are my rock, my stronghold. For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.
Into your hands, I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord.
As for me, I trust in the Lord: let me be glad and rejoice in your love.
Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your love.
You hide me in the shelter of your presence from the plotting of men.
Prayer
Almighty ever-living God, who gave the English Martyrs the grace of suffering for Christ, come in your divine mercy we pray, to the help of our own weakness. That as your Saints did not hesitate to die for your sake, we too may live bravely and be courageous in speaking your name.
We make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
May the prayers of The English Martyrs be with us today and may God’s blessing be upon us.
English Martyrs – Pray for us