One of the very few things that has irked me concerning my beautiful wife, is that, despite being brought up in the Protestant faith and being a practising Anglican until the early 70s, she can claim two Catholic martyrs in her ancestry. St John Nelson is one of them. Whereas I, having been a cradle Catholic (I nearly said 'all my life') have no such illustrious background - Famine Irish is my lot.
Father Nelson was born in 1534 into an old Yorkshire family and was a late vocation only joining Douay at the age of 39. He returned to England as a priest in 1577 and commenced his ministry. Fairly early on his priestly life he was called to carry out an exorcism and, having cast out the evil spirit it informed him that his life would now be forfeit.
Apprehended on 1st December 1577, he was thrown into jail after refusing to affirm to the Oath of Supremacy. He suffered his torments cheerfully in the manner of most if not all of the martyrs and, when faced with the day of his execution being arranged for Candlemas Day he accepted gladly and was able to receive the Blessed Sacrament from a priest friend that day.
When his jailer offered him wine before the execution he responded that he would rather have vinegar and gall "to more closely follow My Lord".
Tyburn 3rd February 1578 - ST JOHN NELSON - ORA PRO NOBIS
Father Nelson was born in 1534 into an old Yorkshire family and was a late vocation only joining Douay at the age of 39. He returned to England as a priest in 1577 and commenced his ministry. Fairly early on his priestly life he was called to carry out an exorcism and, having cast out the evil spirit it informed him that his life would now be forfeit.
Apprehended on 1st December 1577, he was thrown into jail after refusing to affirm to the Oath of Supremacy. He suffered his torments cheerfully in the manner of most if not all of the martyrs and, when faced with the day of his execution being arranged for Candlemas Day he accepted gladly and was able to receive the Blessed Sacrament from a priest friend that day.
When his jailer offered him wine before the execution he responded that he would rather have vinegar and gall "to more closely follow My Lord".
Lucky man, to have a wife from so illustrious a family.
ReplyDeleteThe "Famine Irish" suffered White Martyrdom, just as honourable. Those who apostasised were given food.