Martyr of England. Born in Wells, in Somerset, he studied at Oxford and then at Douai, Reims, France, and Rome. After receiving ordination in 1581, he went back to England and included among his associations Blessed Margaret Clitherow. William ministered to Catholic prisoners in York Prison, having several adventures in staying free. He was betrayed to English authorities by an apostate from Clitherow’s estate. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered at York and beatified in 1886.
From Catholic.Org
“…like a melting candle, which giveth light to others and is itself consumeth.”
A most beautiful prayer.
England’s brutality to Catholics of that time is amazing…and horrifying.
Indeed it was grizzly. So much was lost with the untimely deaths of these martyred men and women and the Dissolution of the monasteries, all the lost manuscripts. England was once known as the Dowry of Mary. Today there is still hatred of Catholics. I wonder how many descendants of recusant families still practice their Catholic Faith?