BL. HUMPHREY MIDDLEMORE, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 19 JUNE

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JUNE

Saints celebrated on the 19th of June

WELCOME!

BLESSED HUMPHREY MIDDLEMORE, PRIEST AND MARTYR

Blessed Humphrey Middlemore was a Carthusian martyr. His father, Thomas Middlemore of Edgbaston, Warwickshire, represented one of the oldest families in that county, and had acquired his estate at Edgbaston by marriage with the heiress of Sir Henry Edgbaston. His mother was Ann Lyttleton, of Pillaton Hall, Staffordshire. 

A CARTHUSIAN

Attracted to the Carthusian Order, he was professed at the Charterhouse, London, ordained, and subsequently appointed to the office of procurator. Although few details of his life have come down, it is certain that he was greatly esteemed for his learning and piety by the prior, [St] John Houghton, and by the community generally. 

HENRY VIII.'S MARRIAGE

In 1534 the question of Henry VIII's marriage with Anne Boleyn arose to trouble conscientious Catholics, as the king was determined that the more prominent of his subjects should expressly acknowledge the validity of the marriage, and the right of succession of any issue therefrom. 

THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS WENT TO SEE THEM IN THE CHARTERHOUSE

Accordingly, the royal commissions visited the Charterhouse, and required the monks to take the oath to that effect. Father [John] Houghton and Father Humphrey refused, and were, in consequence, imprisoned in the Tower; but, after a month's imprisonment, they were persuaded to take the oath conditionally, and were released. 

THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL TRIED HARD TO SHAKE THEIR FAITH

In the following year Father John was executed for refusing to take the new oath of supremacy, and Father Humphrey became vicar of the Charterhouse. Meanwhile, Thomas Bedyll, one of the royal commissioners, had again visited the Charterhouse, and endeavoured, both by conversation and writing, to shake the faith of Father Humphrey and his community in the papal supremacy. 

INHUMAN CRUELTY

His efforts left them unmoved, and, after expostulating with them in a violent manner, he obtained authority from Thomas Cromwell to arrest the vicar and two other monks, [Blessed Sebastian Newdigate and Blessed William Exmew,] and throw them into prison, where they were treated with inhuman cruelty, being bound to posts with chains round their necks and legs, and compelled so to remain day and night for two weeks. 

THEY SUFFERED AT TYBURN WITH THE GREATEST FORTITUDE AND RESIGNATION

They were then brought before the council, and required to take the oath. Not only did they refuse, but justified their attitude by able arguments from Scripture and the Fathers in favour of the papal claims. They were accordingly condemned to death, and suffered at Tyburn with the greatest fortitude and resignation. 

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who know how courageously your holy martyr Humphrey confessed the faith, may experience his goodness as he intercedes for us with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.