Saints celebrated on the 26th of July
BLESSED EDWARD THWING, PRIEST AND MARTYR
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| Colleges at the University of Douai, 16th century |
Edward Thwing was born of an ancient family at Hurst, near York. He was first an alumnus of the college of Rheims; from whence, he was sent to Rome, in 1587; but was obliged, for his health, to return again to Rheims. Here he was presented to holy orders, and ordained priest at Laon, December 20, 1590, being at that time, it appears by the Douay Diary, master of the Hebrew and Greek tongues, and professor of rhetoric in the college.
He was sent upon the English mission from Douay in 1597, after the college was returned to that university. Dr Champney, who was personally acquainted with him, and his cotemporary at the college, gives him this character; that he was a man of admirable meekness, and of no less piety, religion, patience, and mortification; that his patience (amongst the rest of his virtues which rendered him amiable to all) was very remarkable in suffering, with wonderful tranquillity, a most painful and tedious infirmity, from an ulcer in the knee, which he had to struggle with for a long time, whilst he was at Rheims and Douay, for which the physicians could find no remedy. That, after his return to England, he was a most diligent labourer in the vineyard of his Lord, till his apprehension and commitment to Lancaster castle. From whence, he thus wrote to Dr Worthington, at that time, president of Douay college:
Myself am now prisoner for Christ, in Lancaster castle, expecting nothing but execution at the next assizes. I desire you to commend me to the devout prayers of my friends with you, that, by their help, I may consummate my course to God's glory, and the good of my country. I pray God prosper you, and all yours, for ever.
From my prison and paradise, this last of May, 1600,
E. Thwing.
And in another letter, a few days before his death, he thus writes to the same:
This day the judges come to Lancaster, where I am in expectation of a happy death, if it so please God Almighty; I pray you commend me most dearly to all your good priests and scholars, whose good endeavours God may always prosper, to his own glory. Ego autum jam delebor & tempus resolutionis mea instat. Before this comes unto you, I shall, if God makes me worthy, conclude an unhappy life with a most happy death. Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat.
From Lancaster castle, the 21st of July, this holy year, 1600.
All yours in Christ,
Edw. Thwing.
He was condemned barely on account of his priesthood, and suffered with great constancy, at the same time with Mr Nutter, viz. July 26, 1600.
From Dr Worthington's relation of sixteen martyrs, printed in 1601, and Dr Champney's manuscript, and the Douay Diary.
Source: Bishop Richard Challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, Volume 2
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