The Recommitted Saint

Today's saint was highly praised by all as an exquisite speaker and learned man.  He drew the attention of the queen at the age of thirteen.  However, this would not be in his favor when it came to his faith.

St. Edmund Campion

Feast Day:  December 1
Born:  1540
Death:  1581
Patron saint of Wales
London, England

Edmund was raised in a business class family who were devout Catholics.  He attended school and quickly advanced in his education.  He was praised by many for his brilliance and ability to share his knowledge.

However, he took the allegiance to the queen as head of the church of England and became a Anglican deacon in 1564.  This oath would trouble Edmund in the next years.  He would eventually further his studies and recant his oath in 1569.  This decision would cause him to flee the persecutions of England.  He traveled to France and joined the Jesuits.  His vast knowledge would be utilized in the university of Prague.

It was at the university when he was ordained in 1578.  Two years later, he and another priest were sent back to England as missionaries.  His decision to return to England was a dangerous endeavor intensified by his outspoken desire to teach the faith.  He entered England in the guise of a jewel merchant, and at once began to preach.  Edmund would spend the next year conducting an underground ministry,  During this time he wrote his "Ten Reasons", arguments against the validity of the Anglican Church. This pamphlet, in Latin, was printed and 400 copies were delivered to Oxford.  This enraged those who sought him even more.

Edmund continued to preach but was eventually betrayed.  He was arrested by priest hunters and left in London Tower for an additional four months of torture.  He was finally convicted of high treason, and then he was hanged, drawn and quartered.

At his trial, Edmund gave the final response to his sentence:

"In condemning us, you condemn all your own ancestors, all our ancient bishops and kings, all that was once the glory of England — the island of saints, and the most devoted child of the See of Peter."

St. Edmund Campion, pray for us!