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Home , Alban Roe, Alexander Briant, Cuthbert Mayne, Edmund Arrowsmith, John Jones (martyr), John Kemble (martyr)

Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 286 October 2020 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff

Pick up your FREE Catholic People copy today COMMEMORATION OF THE FORTY OF AND

By the MOST REVEREND ARCHBISHOP GEORGE countenance, with a brow ‘always free from furrows’. STACK John Lloyd, born in Brecknockshirshire, was arrested at the same time as Philip Evans during the madness On 25 October 1970 I was privileged to be in St. of the plot. They were imprisoned in the Peter’s Basilica in for the celebration of the same cell in Cardiff Castle and were executed on the of the Forty Martyrs of England and same day, 22 July 1679. John Lloyd had to watch Wales by Paul VI. whilst his friend and fellow was hanged, drawn It was an awe-inspiring occasion, not least to see and quartered knowing that this would be his own fate and hear that great church filled with English-speaking too. people from all over the world. The liturgy was solemn Speaking of the witness of Philip Evans, John Lloyd and splendid. In something that was unique all those said to the crowd: “My fellow sufferer has declared the years ago, the music was not sung by the Papal Choir cause of our death, therefore I need not repeat it. of the Sistine chapel but by the choir of our own Besides, I never was a good speaker in my life. I shall Cathedral. only say that I die in the true Catholic and apostolic Little did I know that thirty years later I would be faith, according to these words in the Creed, I believe responsible for them during my time as Administrator in the holy ; and with those three of ! virtues: faith, hope and charity”. The cover of the souvenir booklet marking that historic occasion is reproduced on this page. All the The Blood of the Martyrs bishops of England and Wales were present, led by Cardinal John Carmel Heenan. Greeting them at the Although the cell of Philip Evans and John Lloyd is not beginning of his homily, Pope Paul said: “We greet our generally open to the public, the authorities at Cardiff brother bishops of England and Wales and of all the Castle are allowing me to celebrate Mass there on 25 other countries who have come here for this great October in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ceremony. their canonization. Since the cell is small, the congregation will be small as well with representatives Christ’s glory of the parishes dedicated to their name as well as pupils from the two schools named after them. “We extend our greetings also to the , religious, I profess my faith Together, we shall remember the words of the great students and faithful. We are filled with joy and of the 2nd century “The Blood of the Martyrs is happiness to have them near us today. Thanks to Before being hanged he said to the onlookers: ”This is the seedbed of the Church”. them, we are celebrating Christ’s glory made manifest the third time I have been apprehended and now in the holy Martyrs of England and Wales”. being to die, I would gladly witness and profess openly See pages 4,5, 6 and 7 for our tribute to our All through my student days, and still today, I had a my faith for which I suffer”. Then, looking up at the martyrs great devotion to St. and St. gallows he said “This gallows I look on as His cross . Having the privilege of the shrine which I gladly take to follow my dear Saviour”. to St. at Westminster Cathedral INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR THE Here in Wales we have our own members of those CANONISATION OF THE FORTY added another devotion. Campion, a Jesuit , was “Glorious Martyrs who surround Thy Throne, O Lord”. the outstanding scholar of his age and a favourite of They are Richard Gwyn, , John Roberts, MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES Queen Elizabeth 1. Philip Evans, John Lloyd and David Lewis. I cannot omit He sealed his fate by the publication of “Camion’s a seventh name, that of whose are GRANT WE BESEECH THEE ALMIGHTY GOD Brag”. In an open letter to the Government he wrote: honoured in shrines at our churches in and The expense is reckoned; The enterprise is begun. It is THAT WE WHO ADMIRE IN THY MARTYRS THE Monmouth. The grave of St. David Lewis is in the COURAGE OF THEIR GLORIOUS CONFESSION MAY of God. It cannot be withstood. So the Faith was Anglican churchyard at Usk, and a beautiful new shrine planted, so it must be restored”. WITNESS IN OURSELVES THE POWER OF THEIR has just been created in his memory in the Catholic LOVING INTERCESSION. church at Usk. Sheltering Catholic priests O GOD,WHO DOST GLORIFY THOSE WHO GLORIFY Our two local heroes Margaret Clitherow, a wife and mother, was THEE, AND WHO ART HONOURED IN THE HONOURS OF sentenced to death by being crushed with stones for There is a particular devotion in Cardiff and the the crime of sheltering Catholic priests. She wrote “If THYS , surrounding area to the memory of two ‘local heroes’ VOUCHSAFE WE BESEECH THEE, BY THE SOLEMN God’s priests dare venture themselves into my house, I who were martyred at Gallows Field which is now will never refuse them”. Her house still stands in a JUDGMENT better known as the northern end of Richmond Road in OF THYS CHURCH TO GLORIFY THE BLOOD OF THE street called in . It is now a chapel the city. A blue plaque marks the site of their and is a great place of pilgrimage. MARTYRS execution. Philip Evans was the jolliest of all the Welsh WHO DIED IN ENGLAND AND WALES FOR THEIR John Southworth came from , but for martyrs. He was playing tennis when told of his many years he ministered as a priest in plague-ridden TESTIMONY execution the next day. So happy did the news make TO JESUS. . He was arrested on three occasions and him that he went on with the game. His Jesuit imprisoned for many years. Finally, he was executed at THROUGH THE SAME CHRIST OUR LORD provincial wrote “He possessed a wonderful frankness AMEN in London the age of 62 in the year 1654. of disposition, and a pleasant, unclouded 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Let Biblical Inspiration Fire Your Imagination! “I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12

IS BIBLE READING YOUR ‘NEW – if it isn’t already - making this 5. When you are 3 minute reading and meditation with NORMAL’? exploration the centre of your “new ready breathe in and Teresa O’Driscoll normal”. I hope the short meditation out deeply as before. Email: [email protected] That the year of the God Who Speaks below helps your resolve. Then open your eyes You will need will be extended into 2021 is not a 1. Read Psalm 77:11-13 and have a big a bible, a surprise, given what 2020 turned into! 2. Sit up straight and close your eyes. stretch. chair, and few Viewed objectively, and with faith, it Breathe in deeply through the nose. minutes alone could well be said that God is Hold a few seconds. Breathe out I hope that reading speaking eloquently to the whole through the mouth and as you do so the Bible daily empowers you to help “Do not worry world. And what is He saying? Well, for feel the whole of your body relax. others to draw closer to Christ. about us His message remains the same: 3. Now meditate for a few moments God bless tomorrow: He wants you to remember that He on the fact that God wants you to draw Teresa tomorrow will made you, He loves you, He wants ever closer. For more on the above topic please take care of your love, and He wants you to live 4. Now say this prayer – or one of your see Teresa’s blog: itself.” with Him for eternity. Also, He wants own – ‘Dear Lord, now, more than ever, http://teresaodriscoll.blogspot.co.uk/ Matthew 6:34 you to recollect that He is always with I want to know You better. So please Teresa O’Driscoll you – in the testing times and the will you remind me daily to seek You is the author of 9 Days to Heaven, happy times too. You can read the through reading the Bible. I ask this in How to make everlasting meaning of details for yourself in the Bible, maybe the name of Jesus Christ. Amen’ your life. Caritas Calling! - October / November 2020

Pope Francis General Audience catechesis creates a harmonious unity in diversity on Church's social teaching - “To heal the for the true building up of society. May world” the Spirit grant us the wisdom and creativity to find those forms of Summary of the Holy Father's words: solidarity needed in our post-Covid Dear Brothers and Sisters, in our continuing world, for the healing of interpersonal reflection on the current pandemic, we have and social ills, and the growth of the seen how closely connected we are, human family in fraternity, justice and dependent on one another precisely because peace. role played by the many people who Integral Ecology – ‘some operative we were created by God and share a common generously care for others, especially guidelines’ home. We can only emerge stronger from the Love and the common good the sick, elderly and most vulnerable. The world has been shaken by the present crisis if we do so together. The 09.09.2020 - crisis created by the Covid-19 Church’s social doctrine thus speaks of the https://tinyurl.com/y4qapzwl The principle of subsidiarity pandemic, which has led to the death need for the virtue of solidarity. Authentic Summary of the Holy Father's words: 23.09.2020 - of many thousands of people and is solidarity is not just about offering help to Dear Brothers and Sisters, in our https://tinyurl.com/y2nxgf6a changing our way of life. At this others; it is a matter of justice; it requires a reflections on the current pandemic in Summary of the Holy Father's words: difficult time, which will certainly bring radical change in our thinking that looks to the the light of the Church’s social Dear Brothers and Sisters, in our changes to the societies in which we good of the community, defends the right to doctrine, we have seen that the continuing catecheses on the effects live, we are called to care for one life for all, and promotes a just sharing of the common good must be the goal of of the current pandemic in the light of another and to avoid becoming earth’s goods. The Biblical story of the Tower our individual and collective efforts to the Church’s social doctrine, we have closed in on ourselves. The crisis we of Babel shows what happens when a society heal our wounded world. Our Christian reflected on the need for solidarity are experiencing makes ever more seeks to build its own way to heaven, commitment in this regard is inspired with all our brothers and sisters, evident – five years after its forsaking God, losing sight of solidarity with by God’s unconditional love, which especially the poor, the vulnerable publication – the importance of the the most vulnerable, and valuing things over calls us to set no limits on our love for and the excluded. As individuals, as Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ that Pope relationships. This destructive “Babel others and our concern for their communities and as men and women Francis wrote on care for our common syndrome” is countered by the event of welfare. As members of the one of faith, we are called to work together home, which teaches that everything Pentecost, where the gift of the Holy Spirit human family, our wellbeing is a in bringing healing and hope to our is connected within the lens of public not simply a private good. By world. As Saint Paul teaches, all the integral ecology. Seriously facing the placing every human person and the members of the body, even those causes of this crisis will require a real common good at the centre of our apparently most insignificant, are change of direction and a spiritual Your Catholic People… cultural, economic and political essential to the good functioning of conversion which can lead to a activity, we will create a genuinely the whole. The lockdown has made renewed awareness of our relation Editorial Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 healthy, just and peaceful world, and us appreciate the quiet efforts of so with ourselves, with others, with Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD so contribute to the building of a true many individuals and groups to serve society, with creation and with God. In Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: “civilization of love”. The coronavirus the larger community. As we look to light of this, the Interdicasterial [email protected] and Articles to be received by the 20th of heeds no cultural or political barrier or the future, may the principles of Working Group of the on the month for inclusion in the following month. distinction – nor must we impose any solidarity and subsidiarity guide our Integral Ecology proposes some During the present pandemic the Editor is self isolating but can be barrier or distinction on our love as we efforts to emerge from the crisis by operative guidelines born of a careful contacted through his mobile 07872 580260 and personal email work for the common good in working for a social order ever more reading of Laudato Si’, with the aim of address [email protected] responding to the grave problems just and respectful of the dignity and inspiring action on the part of the Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567 brought to the fore by the pandemic, gifts of each of its members. Church’s institutions, the faithful and all men and women of good will. Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, Suite 4, Pacific Chambers, in fidelity to our Christian vocation. 11-13 Victoria Street, Liverpool L2 5QQ. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: Laudato si' Anniversary Year 24th 0151 707 1678 Email: [email protected] Care of the common home and May 2020 – 24th May 2021 The God Who Speaks: The Year of Submission of photographs Please note photographs submitted contemplative dimension A year of celebrations of the the Word - Timeline October and for publication must be in jpeg or pdf format. Those in Word format 16.09.2020 - Encyclical Letter of on November 2020: cannot be accepted https://tinyurl.com/y2thf7mc the care of our Common Home. In the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Scripture Email: Please send your copy and pictures for publication to both Summary of the Holy Father's words: Journeying Towards Care For Our Champions, Kate Duffin and email addresses [email protected] and Dear Brothers and Sisters, in our Common Home: Madeleine Walters, promote the ‘Year [email protected]. continuing reflections on the current https://tinyurl.com/y6joloxa of The God Who Speaks’ and for Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the pandemic in the light of the Church’s Five Years After Laudato Si’ - regular Newsletters contact Madeleine following month. social doctrine, we have seen the vital Interdicasterial Working Group on at [email protected]. CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3 My Diaconal Journey

A lovely story from Deacon Pat Maloney who has just retired after many years of service to our faith.

My Father was an Irish Immigrant, so we were of course a Catholic Editorial family. I have vague memories of Mrs Roach sending a car to our house every Sunday to take my Our Forty Martyrs mother father my brother and myself, to mass in Llanarth Church, On page 1 Archbishop George recalls his a seminal point on my diaconal memories of the Canonisation of the Forty journey. Martyrs of England and Wales, on October 25, At that time just like many other 1970, by Pope Paul VI. people we were very poor, but I didn’t know it then, I was happy, I had food, It was, as he said, an awe-inspiring occasion clothes, shoes and plenty of love, with the music sung not by the Sistine Chapel there was nothing missing in my life. choir but the choir of Westminster Cathedral. Since those early days I have always been to mass on Sundays, except for The Archbishop also highlights our own those times when I was working away glorious Martyrs in Wales - Saints Richard Gwyn, John Jones, John Roberts, Philip Evans, at sea. The pandemic has changed a John Lloyd and John Kemble. In our pages we lot in our lives we have all been ‘at feature the annual pilgrimages to the graves of sea’ for six months or so, unable to two of these saints - David Lewis and John go mass. Kemble.

My spiritual development Sea. I also found time to complete an Being with the bereaved and being We also feature the plaque on the wall of the Open University degree. able to help them at such a difficult NatWest Bank at the bottom of Crwys Road, to my ordained ministry, I worked Around this time new things were time and offer consolation has always Cardiff, which was the site of Gallows Field in electrical engineering. Employed in happening in the Diocese. Our been very humbling for me. My work where Saints Philip Evans and John Lloyd were factories in the South Wales valleys, Archbishop had invited men to as a Prison Chaplain was a martyred in the horrible methods of the day. went into the merchant navy, spent a consider a possible vocation to the particularly interesting time, “I could short time working in Libya and for Permanent Diaconate. I had heard write a book about it”. I have great It is fitting that this October we honour the the last twenty five years of my about this and read a few things in admiration for those who give their memory of our Glorious Martyrs...they are "The engineering life I worked for an the church newsletter. Ann and I time and work as prison chaplains, I seedbed of the Church." American company on their oil spoke at length about it and over the know the good work they do, and production platforms in the North Sea. following months my interest how hard they work. May God Bless The stories we hear about the hostile increased. them for that. environment of that sea are very true, The long conversations with my A few years after I was ordained I I have used the word discernment a few it can be exceedingly windy and very wife eventually led me to make the was asked to take on the role of times in my diaconal story. For us Christians it cold, with rain, fog, snow and ice. official enquiry regarding a vocation Director for the Permanent diaconate means “the process of determining God’s Being away from my lovely wife Ann as a Deacon. After quite a long in the Archdiocese. This too I desire for our lives”. What does God want me to and my three young sons for weeks application process, I was accepted regarded as a great privilege, being do? what do I do for the best? etc. Over the last on end was also particularly as a candidate and joined other able to help and accompany men on year or so I have had a few conversations with challenging. students from the Archdiocese in their journey of discernment. my Priest about retirement from active I remember one night picking up a formation. Studying at home and the ministry, I have been discerning what to do. I bible and reading it and coming to seminary and after quite a focussed Many wonderful people am 73 in a few months and felt the time for the realisation, that here I was, a man and intense time of development and retirement was approaching. During lock down, I of faith, a mass going Catholic who ongoing discernment lasting four These years of ministry have been for found myself asking lots of questions, should I had not actually devoted much time years and with lots of support from me exceedingly rewarding. Since my retire? is this the right time? to reading scripture. Up to that point my wife, I was ordained in June 2007. ordination the time has gone so there had been plenty of praying and quickly. I have met so many What I have done during lockdown mass going but not a lot of reading. The deacons' ministry wonderful, kind and inspirational Working in that hostile place, missing people. They have given me much Also having long conversations with my wife my home and family, not able to go to Permanent Deacons are ordained to more than I have given them and I and also with God. Interestingly, I seem to have mass, I had discovered another assist the Archbishop and work with am truly humbled and grateful and got very close to God in my prayers during the source of great comfort and a new his priests as part of the threefold thank them all. The Bishop’s of the peace and quiet of Lock Down, I’m sure I am way to live in the presence of Christ ministry of the Church. The deacons church who accepted me as a not the only one. I have done lots of other all within those scripture readings. It ministry focusses on the Word, deacon and allowed me to serve. My things during lockdown as well, plenty of was a turning point in my spiritual proclaiming the Gospel, preaching Parish Priest who has supported, reading, gardening and I am overjoyed that I development. I remember also the and teaching, The Altar, in liturgy and encouraged, motivated and inspired have taught myself how to bake a reasonable great feeling of relief when that last of Charity, trying to put into action the me, taken me on pilgrimages and loaf of Sour Dough bread. helicopter journey finally ended in Social teaching of the Church. There prayed for me. Parishioners, the Holy I read a few recipes and watched YouTube ‘touch down’ at Aberdeen Airport. are now many deacons in the people of God who have my deepest videos. After a few failed attempts I now Archdiocese who are very visible. regard and respect. manage consistently to produce a loaf a week. What do I do next? They are well known to the Over the last months we have In the video I watched they show how to knead parishioners who are now quite suffered and continue to suffer the the dough and said, “it’s hard work, keep going I resolved never to fly on a helicopter familiar with their ministry and the effects of the Corona virus pandemic. and the dough will tell you when it’s right”. If you ever again. This landing was the start work they do. The country has been in “lockdown”. have kneaded bread dough you will know what of another chapter on my Diaconal Being a deacon always made me No mass, social distancing, isolation, that means. It is the same with discernment, Journey. In the months prior to that feel that I was huge privileged to be trying to protect ourselves from when we ponder those difficult questions, what final flight I had asked myself many of service. To be able to baptise a infection. On the 27th of June this ever they are. If we pray and ask God sincerely times what was I going to do in my child is always a wonderful and year, Ann and myself celebrated 50 to help us make a decision and give it time, retirement, what do I do next? It was joyous occasion for all concerned. I years of marriage. We had made work at it, listen to God, God will tell us when the start of a period of discernment. have also, on a number of occasions plans for a special holiday but this it’s right. Now at last I had the luxury of having had the reward of being able to was cancelled. Instead we were I have listened and I believe the time is now time on my hands. Time with my preside at the celebration of marriage. locked together in our house, it was right and I have retired. My active ministry has family which was always so precious, There have also been many funerals, the longest continuous period of time ended and I thank God for all the blessings it would not be interrupted again by which I always felt brought an we have been together since our has brought me. that journey back to work in the North intensity which is difficult to describe. marriage and we chuckle about that. 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Our blessed martyrs in England and

n the Consistory of May 18th, 1970 the Holy Father announced the Iforthcoming canonization of 40 new saints, the 40 blessed Martyrs of England and Wales. After asking—in accordance with one of the most ancient forms of the exercise of collegiality—the opinion of the Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops and Abbots Nullius present, and receiving their unanimous answer in favour of the Canonization, Paul VI said: “We greatly rejoice that unanimously you have asked that these blessed Martyrs of England and Wales be canonized; this is also our desire. It is our intention to enroll them among the saints and to declare them worthy of the honours that the Church attributes to Pilgrims parade through Usk to the grave those holy persons who have obtained of the martyred Saint David Lewis their heavenly reward. With God's help, we will do this on the twenty-fifth day of Blessed Martyrs, and with them many For the others—that is, those who were October of this year in the Vatican other Catholics, though they wished to Prayers even for their executioners not priests—death by hanging was the Basilica”. be, and actually were, loyal subjects of normal procedure. But before their the Crown in everything belonging to it Owing to their living faith in Christ, their execution the Martyrs were usually A stormy history legitimately according to the ideas of personal attachment to Him, their deep cruelly tortured, to make them reveal the that time, refused for reasons of sharing of His life and principles, these names of any accomplices in their This announcement marked the end of conscience to recognize the “spiritual persons gave a clear demonstration of “crime”, which was having celebrated the preparatory phase of the supremacy” of the King and to obey the their authentically Christian charity for Holy Mass, having attended it or having Canonization of these Martyrs. For long laws issued by the political power on men, also when—on the scaffold—they given shelter to priests. In the course of years research and study had been purely spiritual questions such as Holy prayed not only for those who shared the trial, and during the tortures, they necessary to throw light on a large Mass, Eucharistic Communion and their religious convictions, but also for all were offered their life and freedom on number of varied and complex problems similar matters. their fellow-countrymen it; and in condition they recognized the king (or in the spiritual, theological historical particular for the Head of the State and the queen, according to the period), as ecumenical and pastoral fields. The The courage of our martyrs even for their executioners. head of the . voluminous collection of documents and This firm attitude in defence of their And here are some particular features studies, carried out in Rome and in This was what led many people to face own freedom of conscience and of their that drive home to us the spirituality of England, is considered by many an and meet death courageously rather faith in the truth of the Primacy of Christ these Martyrs and how they faced essential contribution to knowledge of than act against their conscience and and of the Holy Eucharist is identical in death. the stormy history of England and Wales deny their Catholic faith as regards the all the 40 Martyrs. In every other respect, Mayne, a secular priest, in the 16th and 17th centuries. spiritual Primacy of the Vicar of Christ however, they are different as for replied to a gaoler who came to tell him It is also an extremely interesting and and the dogma of the Blessed example in their state in life, social he would be executed three days later: convincing documentation of the Sacrament. From the ecumenical point position, education, culture, age, “I wish I had something valuable to give authenticity of the martyrdom of the 40 of view, it is extremely important to character and temperament, and in fact you, for the good news you bring me...”. new saints and the opportuneness of realize the fact, proved historical, that the in everything that makes up the most Edmund Campion, a Jesuit, was so their Canonization. It is not surprising, Martyrs were not put to death as a result typically personal qualities of such a pleased when taken to the place of therefore, that those who had had the of internal struggles between Catholics large group of men and women. execution that the people said about opportunity to study these volumes and Anglicans, but precisely because The group is composed, in fact, of 13 him and his companions: “But they’re thoroughly—and among them over forty they were not willing to submit to a priests of the secular clergy, 3 laughing! He doesn’t care at all about Cardinals of the Roman Curia and from claim of the State which is commonly , 3 Carthusians, 1 Brigittine, dying...”. other countries who took part in the recognized today as being illegitimate 2 , 1 Augustinian, 10 Jesuits Consistory—did not hesitate to judge the and unacceptable. and 7 members of the laity, including 3 A wooden cross Cause favourably. If—as has always been clearly mothers. recognized in the case of St. Thomas , the first of the martyrs Who the Forty Martyrs are More—it would be a serious error to Their torments from the English College in Rome had consider him a leading figure in the heavy chains round his ankles that The forty Martyrs are among the best opposition between Catholics and The history of their martyrdom makes rattled at every step he took. known of the many Catholics who gave Anglicans, whereas he must be varied and stimulating reading as the “I have on my feet—he wrote wittily to their lives in England and Wales during considered a person who rose in different characters are revealed, not a friend of his—some bells that remind the 16th and 17th centuries owing to the defence of the rights of conscience without a touch of typically British me, when I walk, who I am and to whom fact that their religious convictions against State usurpation, the same can humour. I belong. I have never heard sweeter clashed with the laws of the State at that be said of the 40 Martyrs, who died for The torments they underwent give an music than this...” He was executed time. exactly the same reasons. idea of their fortitude. The priests—for immediately after Campion; he piously As is known, King Henry VIII had And this is just what the Church example—were hanged, and shortly after kissed the executioner's hands, still proclaimed himself supreme head of the intends to stress with their Canonization. the noose had tightened round their stained with the blood of his fellow Church in England and Wales, claiming It was and is her intention to hold up to neck they were drawn and quartered. In martyr. for himself and his successors power the admiration not only of Catholics, but most cases the second operation took —the diocesan priest over his subjects also in spiritual of all men, the example of persons place when they were still alive, for they who entered the shortly questions. unconditionally loyal to Christ and to were not left hanging long enough to before his death—had made himself a According to our Catholic faith, this their conscience to the extent of being bring about their death, sometimes only little wooden cross during his spiritual supremacy is due only to the ready to shed their blood for that reason. for a very few seconds. imprisonment, and held it clasped tightly Vicar of Christ, the Roman Pontiff. The CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5 Wales canonised by Pope Paul VI

between his hands all the time, even during plus afflictionis pro Christo in hoc saeculo, the trial. It was then, however that they tanto plus gloriae in futuro” (the more snatched it away from him But he replied to suffering for Christ in this life, the more glory the judge: “You can take it out of my hands, in heaven). The words were carved by Philip but not out of my heart”. The cross was later Howard, Earl of Arundell. He was the queen's bought by some Catholics and is now in the favourite when he made his appearance at English College in Rome. court, at the age of 18, leading a dissolute John Paine (a secular priest, whose death life. was long mourned in the whole of At the age of 24, he happened to be Chelmsford) kissed the gallows before dying; present at a discussion between Campion and Richard Gwyn, a layman helped the and some Protestant ministers. The holy hangman, overcome with emotion, to put the Jesuit's words made a deep impression on rope round his neck Some strange and him; as a result he was converted to extremely revealing episodes are told about Catholicism. As he was about to flee to the Gwyn. Once for example, when he was in continent. he was captured and thrown into prison he was taken in chains to a chapel prison. He spent eleven long years there, and obliged to stand right under the pulpit reading, praying and meditating. He was where an Anglican preacher was giving a condemned to death, but the sentence was sermon. postponed by the Queen’s intervention. He The prisoner then began to rattle his fell seriously ill and died in prison. chains, making such a din that no one could hear a word of what was being said. Taken Serenity in the face of death back again to his cell, he was approached by Buckfast Abbey Trust Registered Charity number 232497 various Protestant ministers. One of them, A curious fact happened to the Franciscan who had a purple nose, wanted to dispute John Jones. At the time of his execution, the about the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven hangman found he had forgotten the rope. and asserted that God had given them also The martyr took advantage of the hour’s wait to him, not just to St. Peter. to speak to the crowd and to pray. “There is a difference”, Richard Gwyn What is most striking is the serenity with ‘Listen, retorted "St. Peter was entrusted with the which they all met death. Some of them even keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, while the made witty, humorous remarks. keys entrusted to you are obviously those of Thus, for example the Benedictine; John my son’ the beer cellar". Roberts, seeing that a fire was being lit to burn his entrails—after hanging and Rule of St Benedict “Farewell my dear” quartering—made the sally: “I see you are preparing us a hot breakfast!”. Cultured Elizabethan society has its When someone shouted at the Jesuit representatives among the martyrs Swithun : “You’ve got to die, do Wells was one of them. He had travelled a you realize?”, he replied calmly: “So have you, great deal; he had also been in Rome, and so have you, my good man...". It is testified knew Italian well. He was a sportsman, that Alban Roe a Benedictine religious, was a particularly fond of hunting. On his way to the very entertaining fellow. In spite of the torture gallows, he caught sight of an old friend that was inflicted on him in prison he found among the crowd and said to him: “Farewell, the courage to invite the wardens to play my dear! And farewell too, to our fine cards with him, telling funny stories. He gave hunting-parties. Now I’ve something far better all the money he had to the executioner to to do...”. It was December 10th, 1591, and drink to his health, warning him not to get bitterly cold. When they stripped him, he drunk, however. turned to his main persecutor, Topcliffe, and Philip Evans, having found a particularly said in a joking tone: “Hurry up, please Mr. kind judge, was treated somewhat Topcliffe. Are you not ashamed to make a indulgently in prison, so much so that he poor old man suffer in his shirt in this cold?” could even play tennis. Well, it was just Catholic priests managed to exercise the during a game that the news of his ministry thanks to the precious collaboration condemnation to death arrived. He continued of the faithful. who welcomed them and kept to play, as if nothing had happened. Then he them hidden in their homes and facilitated picked up his harp and began to play. www.buckfast.org.uk/vocation the celebration of Holy Mass. As can well be John Kemple, a secular priest, was the only [email protected] understood, now and again some one would one who always refused to go into biding. betray them. The Jesuit laybrother, Nicholas “I’m too old now—he would say—and it is Owen, was famous for the many hiding- better for me to spend the rest of my life places he built in numerous houses all over suffering for my religion”. Of course he was England. Arrested and imprisoned in the caught and arrested. God calls to us constantlyy,, longing to guide those who yearn Tower of London, he died while being brutally for life and desire to see good days into the way of peace. tortured. “I forgive you” The Rule of Saint Benedict helps us to hear God’s voice, in Of the forty Martyrs, the one who the Holy Scriptures, in the sacred liturgy and in our brothers underwent the most torture was Henry Before he was hanged, he asked to be Walpole, a Jesuit priest. His exceptional allowed to smoke his inseparable pipe. The in community. If you are a single man longing to live your physique resisted the most atrocious forms of executioner, who happened to be an old Catholic faith in a way which brings great joy as it demands torture for as many as 14 times, until the friend of his, was overcome with emotion the best of you, consider whether God is calling you to be a gallows put an end to his sufferings. when the moment came to carry out his task Benedictine at Buckfast Abbey. The following inscription can still be read in and showed his hesitation. Then it was the Please reach out to us, and we will do all we can to help you. the Tower of London, in one of the cells in which the Martyrs were detained: “Quanto • Continued on Page 6 6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

• Continued from Page 5 that is, following upon the reconstitution of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Annual pilgrimage to the grave of the martyr St. John Kemble martyr who urged him on, saying: “My Wales, which took place in 1850. good Anthony, do what you have to do. I The Cause of 254 martyrs was forgive you with all my heart... introduced on December 9th, 1886, by The martyrdom of Margaret Clitherow Leo XIII. Shortly afterwards, on is particularly moving. She was accused December 29th 1886, the cult of 54 “of having sheltered the Jesuits and martyrs was confirmed by special priests of the secular clergy, traitors to decree, then on May 13th, 1895, 9 Her Majesty the Queen”; but she others. Finally, with the Apostolic Letter retorted: “I have only helped the Atrocissima tormenta passi on Queen’s friends". Margaret knew that December 15th, 1929, Pius XI beatified the court had decided to condemn her 136 victims of this persecution, and on to death and, not wanting to make the May 19th 1935 he solemnly canonized jury accomplices in her condemnation, Cardinal John Fisher and Chancellor she refused the trial. The alternative was Thomas More. to be crushed to death. When the In still more recent times, the terrible sentence was passed, Margaret Hierarchy of England and Wales, said: “I will accept willingly everything conscious of the deep devotion to the that God wills”. martyrs who on different occasions had On Friday March 25th, 1588, at eight been declared blessed by the apostolic o’clock in the morning, Margaret, just See, and aware that this devotion was thirty-three years old, left Ouse Bridge addressed especially to some of the prison, barefooted, bound for Toll Booth, most popular of them was induced by the requests of the faithful and the accompanied by two police Positio super Martyrii et cultu ex officio the extremely favourable outcome of the superintendents, four executioners and multiplicity of favours obtained, to promote the canonization not of the concinnata (Official Presentation of discussion of the Medical Council four women friends; she carried on her Documents on Martyrdom and Cult) regarding one of the two above- arm a white linen garment. When she whole host of these martyrs, but of a limited group of them. Right from the (Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis, 1968, pp. mentioned cases, and keeping in mind arrived at the dungeon, she knelt in front XLIV, 375 in folio) which in the judgment the fact that the blessed Thomas More of the officials, begging that she should beginning of the negotiations, the Canonization Cause of these Martyrs of international critics is a real model of and John Fisher, belonging to the same not be stripped, but her prayer was not scientific editing of old texts. group of Martyrs, had been canonized granted. While the men looked away, was entrusted by the Hierarchy of England and Wales to Fr. Paolo Molinari, with a dispensation from miracles, the four pious women gathered round Miracles attributed to the Forty considered that it was possible to her and before Margaret lay down on Postulator General of the Society of Jesus and President of the College of Blessed Martyrs proceed with the Canonization on the the ground they spread over her body basis of this one miracle, after further the white garment that the prisoner had Postulators. He in turn nominated as Assistant Even before the rehearing of the Cause, discussions at the S. Congregation for brought with her for that purpose. Then many reports of favours and apparently the Causes of Saints had taken place. her martyrdom began. Postulators Father Philip Caraman and James Walsh of the English Province of miraculous cures attributed to the The same S. Congregation, having intercession of our Blessed Martyrs, had issued the special Decree on July 30th, Have mercy on me the Society. When the former was put for some years at the disposal of the come to the knowledge of the Catholic 1969, proceeded with the examination Bishop of Oslo for certain important Hierarchy of England and Wales, which of the miracle, that is, the cure of a Her arms were stretched out in the hastened to inform the competent young mother affected with a malignant shape of a cross, and her hands tightly tasks, Father Clement Tigar, S.J. took his place. Roman Authorities. tumour (fibrosarcoma) in the left bound to two stakes in the ground. The scapula, a cure which the Medical executioners put a sharp stone the size After patient and laborious work, the list of the 40 martyrs chosen was Pilgrimages Council had judged gradual, perfect, of a fist under her back and placed on constant and unaccountable on the her body a large slab onto which presented by Fr. Molinari to the Holy See on December 1st, 1960. After the usual From the time when the Cause of the 40 natural plane. weights were gradually loaded up to Blessed Martyrs was reopened, the After due assessment of the case and over 800 pounds. Margaret whispered: practices the latter proceeded, on May 24th 1961, with the so-called re-opening ecclesiastical Hierarchy called for a the usual discussions within the S. “Jesus, have mercy on me”. Her death prayer campaign in all English dioceses. Congregation for the Causes of Saints, agony lasted for fifteen minutes, then of the Cause by means of the Decree (Sanctorum Insula), issued by order of Its most outstanding manifestations which concluded with an extremely the moaning ceased, and all was quiet. were various pilgrimages to the shrines favourable result on May 4th, 1970, his These brief remarks on some Pope John XXIII. Eleven of these forty martyrs had been of the Martyrs, diocesan and Holiness Paul VI confirmed the outstanding episodes of the martyrdom interdiocesan rallies, and particularly preternatural character of this cure of the 40 Martyrs, and the quoting of included among the blessed solely by a decree confirming their cult. It was now “Martyrs’ Sunday”, the yearly celebration brought about by God at the some of the words they uttered at the of the memory of these Martyrs by all intercession of the 40 blessed Martyrs gallows, are sufficient to show what was necessary, in view of the hoped-for canonization, to make a thorough dioceses and parishes. of England and Wales. the ultimate reasons for their death and, As a result of the intensification of the From the point of view of canonical at the same time, the sublimely Christian historical re-examination of their martyrdom, which had not been done ex devotion of the faithful and their prayers, procedure, the way was now open for state of mind of these heroes of the a good many events took place which solemn Canonization if the Sovereign faith. professo when the Positio super introductione causue was prepared last looked like miracles. Sufficient data were Pontiff so decided. collected about them to induce the There still remained another problem, The history of the Cause century. As is customary, this task was entrusted to the Historical Section of the Archbishop of Westminster, then however, which had been carefully taken Sacred Congregation of Rites. Cardinal William Godfrey, to send a into account by the Postulation right The history of the and description of 24 seemingly miraculous from the beginning, but which now had Canonization Cause of our forty blessed Formal martyrdom cases to the Sacred Congregation. to be solved on the basis of another Martyrs is part of. the wider history of a The most striking of these and of the thorough study, that is, the problem of host of Martyrs who shed their blood in Availing itself essentially of the studies others that continued to be notified to the opportuneness of this Canonization. defence of the Catholic religion in the Postulation were first examined with While in fact the vast majority of English England, from the schism that began in carried out under its direction by the General Postulation of the Society of special care by doctors of high repute. Catholics—Bishops, clergy and laity— the reign of Henry VIII down to the end On the basis of their answers, two cases thorough study, that is, the problem of of the 17th century. Jesus and by the office of the English Vice-Postulation, it made a very were chosen and the usual Apostolic faith to be raised to the honours of the As early as the end of 1642 the first Proceedings were instituted, and the altar, some voices had been raised in steps were taken to initiate the favourable pronouncement on the material and formal martyrdom of the acts were sent to the Sacred repeated circumstances to say that canonical process, but owing to the Congregation of Rites in Rome. canonization of these Martyrs might be persecutions that were still rife, this eleven Blessed in question. The other studies prescribed by law having been inopportune for ecumenical reasons. initiative had soon to be suspended Pope Paul VI decides Nevertheless the victims of the completed, His Holiness Paul VI signed the special Decree of the Declaratio Opportuneness of the Canonization persecution continued to be considered In the meantime requests and pleas and venerated as martyrs. The Cause to Martyrii of these eleven Blessed Martyrs, on May 4th 1970. In preparing for this continued to arrive for the canonization In more recent times—November 1969— prove their martyrdom and the existence of the 40 blessed Martyrs of England the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. of their cult was presented in Rome only Decree, two volumes were published in English and in Italian respectively of the and Wales as soon as possible. His Ramsey, had expressed his in the second half of the last century, Holiness Paul VI, duly informed about apprehension that this Canonization CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 might rekindle animosity and polemics gesture that would funkier the cause of ecumenical point of view. addressed to us in his Son, who came detriment to the ecumenical spirit that union, by joining in the admiration of It was precisely these ideas that His on earth to make us share his life and has characterized the efforts of the Catholics for these Martyrs. Holiness Paul VI expressed and his love. It aims at making us Churches recently. But the reaction of explained in a masterly fashion in the understand that, by welcoming his the press, lay, Anglican and Catholic, Ecumenical exchanges address he delivered on the occasion of teaching and receiving Christ our Lord showed clearly that this concern— the Consistory on May 18th, 1970, in with sincere hearts we already become though shared by some Anglicans and Some months before the Consistory the which he announced his intention to participants in that life that will be Catholics—did not correspond to the General Postulation, as well as the Vice- proceed with the solemn canonization of granted to us in its fullness when, view of the vast majority. Postulation, had charged specialized the 40 blessed Martyrs of England and having finished the course of our earthly Many people, in fact, both Anglicans agencies with following the whole Wales on October 25th, 1970. existence after being faithful to Him, we and Catholics, were aware of the fact national and provincial press of England In this address the Holy Father, are admitted to his presence. that, right from the beginning of the re- and Wales, together with the European besides pointing out, with serene Through these Saints it is God himself opening of the Cause, the policy of its and American press, and sending it frankness and great charity, the who is speaking to us and helping us to Promoters had been characterized by an constantly everything that was published ecumenical value of this Cause, also laid understand how, in the shifting extremely serene and ecumenical note; in connection with the Cause. At the particular stress on the fact that we circumstances of life, we must live our what is more, they realized the positive same time it redoubled its efforts to need the example of these Martyrs union with Him more and more intensely repercussions it offers just in this field if obtain the widest and most accurate particularly today not only because the and thus grow in holiness: it is presented in this very spirit. information not only on the attitude of Christian religion is still exposed to “For when we look at the lives of those Right from the first announcement of English and Welsh Catholics, but above violent persecution in various parts of who have faithfully followed Christ, we the Re-opening of the Cause of the 40 all on that of the Anglicans, with many of the world, but also because at a time are inspired with a new reason for Martyrs, decreed by Pope John XXIII on whose best qualified representatives when the theories of materialism and seeking the city which is to come (Heb. 24 May 1961, the Hierarchy of England there had long existed relations marked naturalism are constantly gaining ground 13:14; 11:10). At the same time we are and Wales let it be clearly under stood by sincere and brotherly frankness and a and threatening to destroy the spiritual shown a most safe path by which that nothing was further from the genuine spirit of mutual understanding heritage of our civilization, the forty among the vicissitudes of this world and intentions of the Bishops than to stir up and collaboration. Martyrs—men and women from all walks in keeping with the state in life and bad feelings and quarrels of the past. The Hierarchy of England and Wales, of life—who did not hesitate to sacrifice condition proper to each of us, we will The aim of the Postulator General in its turn, and in the first place Cardinal. their lives in obedience to the dictates of be able to arrive at perfect union with Paolo Molinari S.J. and his collaborators, Godfrey's successor, His Eminence conscience and the divine will, stand out Christ, that is, holiness. In the lives of James Walsh S.J., Philip Caraman S.J. Cardinal Heenan, Vice-President of the as noble witnesses to human dignity those who shared in our humanity and and Clement Tigar S.J., while they were Secretariat for the Union of Christians, and freedom. yet were transformed into especially carrying out the historical research and made a point of establishing and This declaration of the Sovereign successful images of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. investigation, was to ensure that the maintaining exchanges of views with the Pontiff was received with practically 3:18), God vividly manifests to men His Cause would be presented in an competent authorities of the various unanimous approval, which showed how presence and His face. He speaks to us authentically ecumenical way. Christian denominations in their country. right the decision had been to proceed in them, and gives us a sign of His On the basis of this huge mass of with the canonization. His address was kingdom, to which we are powerfully An ecumenical approach material, it was established beyond al] given a great deal of attention and drawn, surrounded as we are by so shadow of doubt that at least 85 per certainly contributed effectively to many witnesses (cf. Heb. 12:1), and For this reason the Postulator General, cent of what had been printed in dispelling any doubts that may still have having such an argument for the truth of always working in close contact with the England and Wales, both on the existed in certain quarters. the gospel” (Lumen Gentium, No. 50). authorities of the S. Congregation that Catholic and the non-Catholic side, far The situations in which we live may deals with the Causes of Saints and in from being unfavourable to the Cause, The message of God vary, but in the last analysis they have a agreement with the Hierarchy of was clearly in favour of it or at least deep element in common which England and Wales, asked Cardinal showed great understanding for the At the same time the Pope's words drive transcends time and circumstances. At Agostino Bea, then President of the opportuneness of the canonization. home to us unmistakably why the the root of our existence there is God's Secretariat for the Union of Christians, to This applies to publications such as Church continues to propose new invitation, his offer to open our hearts to act as the Cardinal Ponens of the Cause “Church Times”, or the “Church of Saints. The formal recognition of the his love and respond in our lives with Aware of its ecumenical significance, he England Newspaper.” and the most holiness of some of her members has authentic responsibility and consistency, sustained, promoted and encouraged its widely read English national papers the aim of presenting to the faithful and to the claims of the love of Him who course until he died. After his death the such as “The Times”, “The Guardian”, to all men the unshaken loyalty with gave his life for us. Secretariat itself continued to follow “The Economist”, “The Spectator” “The which they followed Christ and his law. It attentively the individual phases of the Daily Telegraph”, “The Sunday Times” aims at letting us have, in a living and Taken from: Cause and not only did not find any and many others. existential way, the message that God L'Osservatore Romano contrary motive but collaborated skillfully On the other hand some foreign to ensure that the approach would publications—including some well- benefit the ecumenical cause, instead of known papers of protest—raised hampering it. difficulties. It was at once clear, however, The vast majority of people that these were based on insufficient understood all this. The most knowledge of the complicated historical authoritative voice in this sense was that situation in which the Martyrs sacrificed of the British Council of Churches, which their lives, and, to an even greater made a public declaration on the matter degree, of the present ecumenical on December 17th, 1969. Not only does situation in England. The latter calls for it recognize the importance for the at least a minimum of concrete Catholic Church to venerate its Martyrs, knowledge and cannot easily be to whom the survival of the Catholic understood by those who do not take Church in England and Wales is the trouble to study it thoroughly Of essentially due, but it also expressed course, everything possible has been satisfaction that the various Christian done, by means of press conferences denominations are united today in and other opportune methods, to recognizing the tradition of the Martyrs eliminate this type of misunderstanding, as a common element from which we generally most successfully. must all draw strength disregarding denominational frontiers. Pope Paul proceeds Quite a few authoritative persons— including several Anglican Bishops— A serious, serene and objective study of keeping in mind and appreciating the the whole situation led to the actions of considerable ecumenical conclusion, therefore, that besides the value of Pope Paul VI on various numerous reasons clearly in favour of occasion—expressed the view and the the canonization of the 40 blessed hope that the Canonization of the 40 Martyrs, there were no real ecumenical Martyrs might be an opportunity for the objections to it, on the contrary the members of other Christian canonization offered considerable Pope Paul VI - canonised the Forty denominations to make a positive advantages also from the genuinely Martyrs of England and Wales Award8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE to Safeguard Nationally Significant Heritage

Building Resilience – Safeguarding our Ecclesiastical Heritage

£186,700 has been awarded by the heritage buildings is giving communities support some of our most vulnerable and Project Manager, Lauren Williams as National Lottery Heritage Fund to the skills to maintain them. The people in some of our most deprived Church Care Officer and Martin help sustain community facing ambition is to implement best practice communities now and in the future.” Buckridge as Fundraising Officer. They churches in the Catholic Archdiocese models in four target communities and The project will look beyond will provide specialist skills, knowledge of Cardiff. sharing learning to improve heritage immediate building repairs and help and training to support those involved. The Archbishop of Cardiff, George management across the entire charity develop new ways of collaborative The project will build on the work of the Stack stated, ‘St Mary’s Church, our and wider places of worship sector. working with local communities. The charity’s 2,500 volunteers and will seek Lady of Peace, St Michael’s Church and Commenting on the award, Andrew Archdiocese of Cardiff serves the South out new volunteers to meet the needs of St Dyfrig’s Church are immensely White – Director of the National Lottery East area of Wales and the churches. valuable community assets as well as Heritage Fund in Wales said: region of England. The The project pivots around the being outstanding architectural ‘gems’ “Places of worship provide comfort Building Resilience project features conservation and protection of listed serving some of the most deprived and practical support - particularly at specific support for: places of worship and their related households in Wales. Research shows difficult times such as these, for buildings such as halls, presbyteries and that to thrive church buildings must be communities right across Wales. But St Mary’s Church, Newport land. Bringing communities together both valued by and useful to their with an often growing demand for this Grade II* through shared learning, the project communities. With a little imagination support, coupled with pressure of the St Michael’s Church, Newport aims to help parishes care for both the this project will provide a template for ongoing cost of maintaining ageing Grade II tangible and intangible heritage of the other places of worship to follow in buildings, it’s also a difficult time for Our Lady of Peace, Newbridge church. Ensuring that the relevant skills terms of developing sustainable them. Grade II are secured for the future means that volunteering and engagement. We are “This grant will support the Catholic St Dyfrig’s Church, Treforest generations to come may enjoy the most grateful to the National Lottery Archdiocese of Cardiff to put Grade II benefits of our wonderful buildings. Heritage Fund for their support’. infrastructure in place– including staff, Building long-term funding strategies Underpinning the three-year project is volunteers, resources and well- Thriving churches are all about people and sustainable sources of income is the belief that the only sustainable way maintained and safe buildings, to and their community. The project team central to the project. of maintaining the charity’s stock of become self-reliant and continue to includes Gareth Simpson as Volunteer

Our Lady of Peace, St Mary’s Church, Newbridge Newport

St Dyfrig’s Church, St Michael’s Treforest Church, Newport

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