BL. THOMAS MAXFIELD, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 1 JULY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JULY

Saints celebrated on the 1st of July

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BLESSED THOMAS MAXFIELD, PRIEST AND MARTYR 

Bl. Thomas Maxfield (Macclesfield) was an English priest and martyr, born in Stafford gaol. He was one of the younger sons of William Macclesfield of Chesterton and Maer and Aston, Staffordshire (a firm recusant, condemned to death in 1587 for harbouring priests, one of whom was his brother Humphrey), and Ursula, daughter of Francis Roos, of Laxton, Nottinghamshire. William Macclesfield is said to have died in prison.

HE WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST

Thomas arrived at the English College at Douai on March 16, 1602-3, but had to return to England May 17, 1610, owing to ill health. In 1614 he went back to Douai, was ordained priest, and in the next year came to London. 

HE WAS ARRESTED

Within three months of landing he was arrested, and sent to the Gatehouse, Westminster. After about eight months' imprisonment, he tried to escape by a rope let down from the window in his cell, but was captured on reaching the ground. This was at midnight June 14, 1616. 

HE WAS PLACED IN THE STOCKS

For seventy hours he was placed in the stocks in a filthy dungeon at the Gatehouse, and was then on Monday night (June 17) removed to Newgate, where he was set amongst the worst criminals, two of whom he converted. On Wednesday, June 26, he was brought to the bar at the Old Bailey, and the next day was condemned solely for being a priest, under 27 Eliz., c, 2. 

The Spanish ambassador did his best to obtain a pardon, or at least a reprieve; but, finding his efforts unavailing, had solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in his chapel during the martyr's last night on earth. 

THE PROCESSION TO TYBURN

The procession to Tyburn early on the following morning (Monday, July 1, 1616) was joined by many devout Spaniards, who, in spite of insults and mockery, persisted in forming a guard of honour for the martyr. The Tyburn-tree itself was found decorated with garlands, and the ground round about strewn with sweet herbs. The sheriff ordered the martyr to be cut down alive, but popular feeling was too strong, and the disembowelling did not take place till he was quite senseless. Half of his relics are now at Downside Abbey, near Bath.

["Blessed" has been added afterwards. His beatification took place on December 15, 1929.]

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913

⬅️ The Holy Martyrs of England and Wales

PRAYER:

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