Saint Edmund Arrowsmith

Biography

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith, also known as Brian Arrowsmith, Edmund Bradshaw, and Edmund Rigby, was born in 1585 in Haydock, Lancashire, England. He was the son of Robert Arrowsmith, a farmer, and Margery Gerard Arrowsmith. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Saint Edmund's parents rebelled against attending Protestant services and often harbored Catholic priests in their home. As a result of their actions, they were arrested for their faith and dragged away in the night, leaving young Edmund alone. At the age of 20, Saint Edmund entered Douai College in 1605 to pursue a priesthood. However, due to poor health, he was forced to leave the college before completing his studies. Undeterred, he traveled to France and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1611. He then returned to England to work among the beleaguered English Catholics in Lancashire for the next 15 years. During this time, England was in a state of religious turmoil, with the government distrustful of Catholic priests and the Catholic population constantly living in fear and suspicion. Queen Elizabeth's governors and hierarchy lived on confiscated Catholic property, and priests were perceived as potential agents of Catholic Spain, working towards a Spanish invasion. To maintain control, Elizabeth had her own Inquisition, which further intensified the public's paranoia and dependence on an intrusive government. In 1622, Saint Edmund was arrested for his faith and spent his time in prison engaging in theological debates with the local Protestant bishop. However, his unexpected release came through a pardon issued by King James I. Following his release, Saint Edmund underwent the Spiritual Exercises and entered the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, in 1623. He returned to his mission in Lancashire, where he would spend the remaining five years of his life. Unfortunately, Saint Edmund's dedication to his vocation would lead to his ultimate sacrifice. He was betrayed by the son of the landlord of the Blue Anchor Inn in south Lancashire and was arrested by priest hunters. Despite facing the charge of being a Jesuit priest, Saint Edmund chose not to confess, instead opting to let the court prove the charge. In response to the guilty verdict, he exclaimed, "Thanks be to God!" On August 28, 1628, Saint Edmund Arrowsmith was hanged, drawn, and quartered in Lancaster, England. Before his execution, he prayed for everyone in the kingdom and urged them to be witnesses to his unwavering Catholic faith. His final words were "Bone Jesu" (O good Jesus). His confession on the day of his execution was heard by fellow-prisoner Saint John Southworth. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith's hand is preserved as a relic at Saint Oswald's Church in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England. He was beatified on December 15, 1929, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. As a martyr, he is remembered and celebrated on August 28, October 25 (as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales), and October 29 (as one of the Martyrs of Douai). Saint Edmund Arrowsmith's pleasant disposition, sincerity, and energy were noteworthy even in the oppressive times in which he lived, making him a lasting inspiration to those who strive to live their faith courageously.