Saint Edmund Campion

Biography

Saint Edmund Campion, also known as Edmundus Campion and The Pope's Champion, was born on January 24, 1540, in London, England. He was the son of a Catholic bookseller named Edmund, whose family had converted to Anglicanism. Initially, the young Edmund planned to follow in his father's footsteps and enter the family trade. However, his life took a different turn when he earned a scholarship to Saint John's College, Oxford, under the patronage of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I's court. During his time at Oxford, Campion distinguished himself as a sought-after speaker. His eloquence and intelligence caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth herself, who offered him a deaconate in the Church of England. However, despite the potential advantages this offer presented, Campion declined and made the decision to flee to the continent instead. In 1573, he joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, and began his training. After completing his studies and receiving ordination as a priest in 1578, Campion spent some time working as a teacher in Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). However, he felt a strong calling to return to his homeland and serve the Catholic community in England, where the religious situation was fraught with tension. In 1580, Campion secretly returned to London as part of a Jesuit mission. To evade authorities and carry out his work, he crossed the English Channel disguised as a jewel merchant. During his time in London, he collaborated closely with Saint Nicholas Owen, a Jesuit brother renowned for his skills in constructing hiding places for priests in England. Campion's bold actions and devotion to his faith caught the attention of the authorities, and his activities soon became known. In response, he wrote a description of his mission known as "Campion's Brag." In this document, he emphasized that his work was purely religious and not intended to be political. The "Campion's Brag" was widely distributed and had a significant impact on encouraging Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith. However, the widespread dissemination of Campion's writings eventually led to his arrest. On July 17, 1581, he was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he endured torture in an attempt to force him to renounce his Catholic beliefs. Despite the harsh treatment, he remained steadfast and resolute. On December 1, 1581, Saint Edmund Campion was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, London. As a warning to other Catholics, parts of his body were displayed at each of the four city gates. However, Campion's martyrdom only served to inspire greater devotion among Catholics and strengthen their resolve. Saint Edmund Campion was beatified on December 9, 1886, by Pope Leo XIII. Later, in May 1970, he was canonized as a saint by Pope Paul VI, becoming one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His feast days are celebrated on December 1, October 25 (as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales), and October 29 (as one of the Martyrs of Douai). Saint Edmund Campion's relics are venerated in several locations, including Rome, Prague, London, Oxford, Stonyhurst, and Roehampton. Throughout his life and in the face of persecution, Saint Edmund Campion exemplified unwavering faith and dedication to his Catholic beliefs. His courage, intelligence, and staunch commitment to the spiritual well-being of his fellow Catholics make him a revered figure in Catholic history.