Saint John Wall

Biography

Saint John Wall, also known by several aliases such as Francis Dormore, Francis Johnson, Francis Webb, and Joachim of Saint Anne, was born into a wealthy Catholic family in 1620 in Chingle Hall near Preston, Lancashire, England. He received his education in Douai, France and later entered the Roman College on 5 November 1641, adopting the name John Marsh. John Marsh was ordained a Catholic priest on 3 December 1645. However, his religious journey did not stop there. On 1 January 1651, he joined the Friars Minor in Rome, embracing a new religious identity as Joachim of Saint Anne. He later returned to Douai, where he served as a vicar and novice-master, taking on the responsibility of guiding others in their religious studies and formation. In 1656, Joachim of Saint Anne ventured to Worcester in England, joining the Worcester mission. He spent over two decades there, constantly living as a fugitive and utilizing multiple aliases to evade capture, as being a Catholic priest was considered a crime during that time. His dedication to his faith and the Catholic community was influential and inspiring, as he risked his own safety to provide spiritual ministry and support. Unfortunately, Joachim of Saint Anne's life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested in December 1678 in connection with the notorious Titus Oates Plot. Although acquitted of any participation in the plot itself, he was unjustly martyred solely on the charge of being a priest. On 22 August 1679, Joachim of Saint Anne was hanged, drawn, and quartered near Redhill, Corcester, England. He was buried at Saint Oswald's church. Saint John Wall is venerated for his martyrdom and was officially recognized as a saint on 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI. His feast days are celebrated on 22 August, 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, and 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Pope Pius XI decreed his martyrdom on 8 December 1929, and he was beatified in December of the same year. Although specific patronages have not been attributed to Saint John Wall, his life and sacrifice serve as an example of courage, faith, and dedication to the Catholic Church. His biography stands as a testament to the perseverance and strength of Catholicism during challenging times in England's history.