Blessed Lawrence Richardson

Biography

Blessed Lawrence Richardson, also known as Lawrence Johnson or Laurence Richardson, was born in Great Crosby, County Lancaster, England, to an ancient landed family renowned for its piety. He received his education at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he displayed great intellect and a deep interest in matters of faith.

During his time at Oxford, Lawrence experienced a profound conversion and decided to embrace Catholicism. Following his conversion, he became a seminarian at the English College in Douai, France, in 1573. His decision to pursue the priesthood was met with great determination and dedication.

Lawrence was ordained a Catholic priest on 23rd March 1577. Filled with zeal for his faith, he returned to his homeland of Lancashire, England, in 1578. He took the name Lawrence Johnson, and with unwavering resolve, he set out to minister to covert Catholics who were facing severe persecution during this period of religious turmoil in England.

It was during this time that the notorious Rheims and Rome Plot unfolded, which was a fabricated conspiracy designed to incriminate Catholic priests and laypeople. Tragically, Lawrence became entangled in this false narrative. In 1581, he was arrested in London under the false accusation of treason.

After his arrest, Lawrence endured months of unimaginable suffering. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he was kept chained and subjected to cruel abuse. Despite the harsh conditions, his faith remained resolute, and he became a source of inspiration and strength for his fellow prisoners.

Finally, on 30th May 1582, Lawrence Richardson was unjustly sentenced to death and executed at Tyburn in London. He was hanged, becoming one of the many individuals who suffered martyrdom due to their allegiance to the Catholic Church during this tumultuous period.

Blessed Lawrence Richardson's feast days are celebrated on 30th May and 29th October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, and on 1st December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. His beatification took place on 26th December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII, who confirmed his cultus, recognizing Lawrence as a blessed martyr of the Catholic Church.

Through his courageous witness and selfless dedication to his faith, Blessed Lawrence Richardson inspires countless individuals to remain steadfast in their beliefs despite adversity. He stands as a shining example of unwavering devotion and fidelity to Catholicism during a time of severe persecution in England.