ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL
Saints celebrated on the 20th of April
BLESSED THOMAS TICHBURN, PRIEST AND MARTYR
 |
| Colleges at the University of Douai, 16th century |
Thomas Tichburn was born of an ancient family, at Hartley in Hampshire. His education abroad was first in the college of Rheims, and afterwards in that of Rome; to which he was sent from Rheims, September 2, 1587. At Rome he was made priest, and from thence was sent upon the English Mission.
Here, he fell into the hands of the adversaries of his faith, and suffered bands and prisons for some years, till, as we have seen above, he was rescued by that bold youth, who lost his own life upon that account.
It was not long, before he was again apprehended, by the means of one Atkinson, a fallen priest, who meeting him in the streets, and knowing him, ceased not to cry out, a priest, a priest, stop the priest, till he was seized upon; though Mr Tichburn, to stop his mouth, and carry off the matter, told him. (which was very true,) that he was no more a priest than himself.
Thus, he was again committed to prison, and soon after arraigned, condemned, and executed, merely on account of his priesthood. He was far gone in a hectic fever, and naturally could have lived but a very short time longer; so that his apprehension and condemnation at this time was a more particular favour of divine providence, which had chosen for him, this more glorious and happy death.
He suffered at Tyburn, April 20, 1601.
From the Douay Diary, Dr Champney's manuscript, and the catalogues of Chalcedon and Raissitus.
Source: Bishop Richard Challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, Volume 1
Comments
Post a Comment