BL. RICHARD SIMPSON, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 24 JULY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JULY

Saints celebrated on the 24th of July

WELCOME!

BLESSED RICHARD SIMPSON, PRIEST AND MARTYR 

The Tower of London 

⬅️ The Holy Martyrs of England and Wales

It was as a Protestant minister that Richard Simpson, of Well, Yorkshire, came to question the tenets of Protestant opposition to Catholic teachings.

His decision to convert to the Catholic faith led to his imprisonment.

HIS DECISION TO BECOME A CATHOLIC LED TO HIS IMPRISONMENT

Upon being released, Richard studied for the priesthood in France. Following his ordination around 1578, he returned to England and spent nearly ten years serving the country’s Catholics persecuted under Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1587 Father Simpson was exiled, but he soon returned in secret. In 1588 he was re-arrested and condemned to death for his priesthood.

HE WAS CONDEMNED TO DEATH FOR HIS PRIESTHOOD

His execution, however, was postponed. It was at this time that Father Simpson’s courage began to fail. He was on the verge of apostatising when two fellow Catholic priests imprisoned with him, (Blesseds) Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam, persuaded him to remain steadfast in the Catholic faith.

THEY PERSUADED HIM TO REMAIN STEADFAST

Deeply remorseful, Father Simpson spent the remaining days before his execution doing penance for his temporary lapse, fasting, keeping night watches of prayer, and wearing a hair shirt. On July 24, 1588, he was executed by drawing and quartering, suffering with great constancy.

“For me you have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever.”

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who know how courageously your holy martyr Richard 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.