Saint John Lloyd

Biography

Saint John Lloyd was born in Powys, Wales, during a tumultuous period for Catholics in England. Educated at the esteemed Royal College of Saint Alban at Valladolid in Spain, he entered the college in 1649, where he received a thorough education in theology and philosophy. Upon completing his studies, John Lloyd took the missionary oath on 16 October 1649, pledging his commitment to return to England and serve the spiritual needs of the covert Catholics. In 1654, he was sent to Wales, where he dedicated himself to ministering to the faithful who practiced their Catholic faith in secret due to religious persecution. For the next 24 years, Saint John Lloyd led a precarious life, constantly on the run to evade capture by the authorities. Despite the risks, he remained steadfast in his vocation and fearlessly provided spiritual guidance and sacraments to the underground Catholic community, often celebrating Mass in hidden locations. Saint John Lloyd's commitment to his faith and his unwavering dedication to the Catholic community eventually led to his arrest. On 20 November 1678, he was captured in Penllyne, Glamorganshire, Wales. Imprisoned in the Cardiff jail, he shared his confinement with another saint, Saint Philip Evans. It took several months for the authorities to find witnesses willing to testify against Saint John Lloyd and Saint Philip Evans. Finally, on 5 May 1679, they were brought to trial and condemned for the treasonous act of serving as Catholic priests. Both saints were regarded as traitors for their refusal to renounce their faith and abandon their priestly duties. Saint John Lloyd and Saint Philip Evans were among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, courageous men and women who suffered persecution and death for their Catholic beliefs. They exemplified the steadfastness and determination of the Catholic community during a time of severe religious repression. On 22 July 1679, Saint John Lloyd faced his ultimate sacrifice for his faith. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered on Gallows Field in Cardiff, Wales, bearing his martyrdom with immense courage and dignity. His unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church and his willingness to sacrifice his own life for his beliefs became an inspiration for generations to come. Recognizing his martyrdom and unwavering faith, Pope Pius XI proclaimed Saint John Lloyd venerable on 8 December 1929. On the same day, the Pope also declared him blessed, emphasizing his status as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Finally, on 25 October 1970, Pope Paul VI canonized Saint John Lloyd, acknowledging his exemplary life and the extraordinary sacrifice he made for his Catholic faith. Though Saint John Lloyd does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life serves as an inspiration to all those facing religious persecution and those striving to live their faith with unwavering dedication. His feast days are celebrated on 22 July and 25 October, along with the other Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, commemorating their remarkable witness to Catholicism in the face of adversity.