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Feast Day: January 11
Death: January 1, 11
Blessed William Carter, also known as "Blessed William Carter of London," was a courageous and devout Catholic layman who lived during a tumultuous era in England's history. He was born around the year 1549 in London, England. Little is known about his early life and family background.
Carter began his career as an apprentice to several Catholic printers, where he gained expertise in the art of printing. However, his commitment to his Catholic faith and his unwavering support for Catholicism in a time of great persecution meant that his life would be marked by hardship and sacrifice.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Catholics faced severe restrictions and were targets of harsh penal laws. Catholics were often accused of treasonous activities for their allegiance to the Pope and their refusal to recognize the Queen as the supreme authority in religious matters. As a printer, Carter faced even greater risks as he played a crucial role in disseminating Catholic literature.
In his determination to uphold his faith and support fellow English Catholics, Carter was involved in the printing and distribution of Catholic pamphlets and books, which were deemed illegal. These publications advocated Catholic teachings and challenged the religious authority of the government-sanctioned Church of England.
As a result of his courageous actions, Carter was arrested and imprisoned in 1582, enduring brutal torture and confinement for a period of 18 months. Throughout this time, he remained steadfast in his faith and his commitment to the Catholic Church.
Tragically, during his imprisonment, Carter suffered the loss of his beloved wife. The grief of losing his spouse in such dire circumstances only strengthened his resolve to remain faithful to his beliefs and become a witness to the truth.
Eventually, Carter was charged with the grave offense of printing and publishing the Treatise of Schisme, a pamphlet that was said to incite violence among Catholics. The jury, after a brief 15-minute deliberation, found him guilty. The authorship of the treatise was attributed to a traitor and it was meant to provoke Catholics to rebel against the establishment.
On 11 January 1584, William Carter met his martyrdom as he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn in London. This barbaric execution was a common punishment for those found guilty of treason during that period. Despite the agony he endured, Carter's unwavering faith and commitment to Catholicism remained unshaken until the end.
Blessed William Carter is counted among the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales, a group of courageous Catholics who gave their lives for their faith during the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent persecution of Catholics in England. Their witness to the Catholic faith continues to inspire believers today.
Recognizing the noble example of Blessed William Carter's steadfastness, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 10 November 1986, acknowledging his heroic virtues. Further, on 22 November 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, affirming his martyrdom and raising him to the rank of the Blessed.
Blessed William Carter's life and sacrifice bear witness to the enduring faith of English Catholics during a time of great persecution. His unwavering dedication to his beliefs and his willingness to lay down his life for his faith make him a shining example of courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity.