Blessed Sebastian Newdigate

Biography

Blessed Sebastian Newdigate, also known as Blessed Sebastian Newdigate of Harefield, was born in Harefield, Middlesex, England. He belonged to a devout family, being the younger son of John Newdigate, a king's sergeant, and Amphelys, the daughter and heiress of John Nevill of Sutton, Lincolnshire. Blessed Sebastian's sister chose the religious life and became a Dominican nun at the convent in Dartford, England.

Having received a sound education, Blessed Sebastian studied at Cambridge University. After completing his studies, he entered into marriage with a layman. Together, they were blessed with a daughter whom they named Amphelys. Sadly, his wife passed away in 1524, leaving Blessed Sebastian a widower.

Following his wife's death, Blessed Sebastian discerned a priestly vocation and was ordained as a Catholic priest. His deep commitment to the faith and his unwavering loyalty led him to serve as a Privy Counselor to King Henry VIII. However, despite his position in the royal court, Blessed Sebastian remained steadfast in his allegiance to the Pope and the authority of the Catholic Church.

Feeling called to a more contemplative life, Blessed Sebastian sought admission to the Carthusians, a monastic order known for its strict observance of silence and solitude. He became a Carthusian monk in the London Charterhouse, a monastery where he could more fully dedicate himself to prayer, study, and service to God.

In the tumultuous period of English history marked by King Henry VIII's break from Rome and the establishment of the Church of England, Blessed Sebastian found himself in a challenging position. When presented with the Oath of Succession, which affirmed Henry's supremacy over the Church in England, he added a conditional note stating "in as far as the law of God permits" to signify his recognition of Henry's authority only insofar as it did not contradict his religious convictions.

Blessed Sebastian's refusal to compromise his beliefs and allegiance to the Pope led to his arrest on May 25, 1535, along with other Carthusian monks who were similarly loyal to Rome. He was imprisoned in chains at Marshalsea Prison before being transferred to the Tower of London, where he faced harsh conditions and confinement.

Ultimately, Blessed Sebastian Newdigate, together with fellow Carthusian monks Blessed Humphrey Middlemore and Blessed William Exmew, was brought to trial for treason. Found guilty, they were condemned to death. On June 19, 1535, at Tyburn, London, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered, enduring the brutal punishment inflicted on those deemed traitors by the English authorities.

Their martyrdom would become a testimony to their unwavering faith and their commitment to the primacy of the Catholic Church. Their sacrifice served as an inspiration for countless faithful Catholics in England during a time of religious persecution.

Recognizing the heroic virtue and sacrificial death of Blessed Sebastian Newdigate, Pope Leo XIII beatified him on December 29, 1886, including him among the ranks of the blessed. His feast day is celebrated on June 19, and he is also honored as one of the Carthusian Martyrs on May 4. Blessed Sebastian remains a symbol of fidelity to the Catholic faith and a shining example of courage in the face of adversity.