A Country Gentleman, a Catholic Elizabethan Saint - Saint Swithun Wells (1), layman

A COUNTRY GENTLEMAN
Saint Swithun Wells - layman (1)

Saint Swithun Wells and his wife Alice
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

 

His father was renowned in Hampshire as a confessor for the faith; Swithun himself was kindly, courteous, generous, brave, a country gentleman fond of country diversions. Much of his diversions he gave up, however to train youths in the faith and learning - that is, he kept a school - in Wiltshire. Afterwards he went to London, and was there condemned for having had Mass said in his house; he was led out to die with his wife, sentenced for the same offence. She was reprieved, and after ten years in Newgate died, still in prison, in 1602.

Saint Swithun and Alice are separated
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

On Swithun's way to the scaffold, set up opposite his own door, he saw a man he knew and called out to him, "Farewell, old friend! Farewell hawking and hunting and old pastimes; I am now going a better way." The butchery of Gennings being over, "Despatch," said Wells, "Mr Topcliffe, despatch; are you not ashamed to let an old man stand here so long in his shirt in the cold?" Then, after apologising for a rude remark, about Topcliffe's parentage, he added, "I pray God make you, of a saul, a Paul." And in such-like speeches, full of charity and courage, he happily ended his course.

 

"He was a stout hunter before the Lord." - Gen. 10, 9.

 

Reading for 11th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory.

 

For our film about Saint Swithun Wells:

The Secret Mass Room

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

 

Saint Swithun Wells:
St. Swithun was named after an ancient saint of England often invoked for the weather.  As a young man he travelled the continent before he met and married his devoutly Catholic wife, Alice.  St. Swithun loved to share the faith during a troubled time in England and put himself out to ensure that the Mass was made available.  He built a secret room in his London house where his friends could celebrate Mass and when it was finally discovered he joyfully faced his calling, leaving us a moving and inspiring witness of Catholic faithfulness.  Featuring moments of creation and beauty with original haunting and medieval music written for the film.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint Swithun Wells.
Length and Format:

The film runs for 30 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org



England's Doctor of the Church, DVD

 

Saint Bede: England's Doctor of the Church:
Reflective and mysterious, this ancient English Doctor of the Church takes you on a journey through history and faith.  Sharing his wisdom and prayer, this joyful film pauses to ponder St. Bede's works.  As though casing aside the veil of time, St. Bede walks the English countryside, woodlands, meadows and fields in an atmospheric and contemplative fusion of prayer, original music and the sounds of nature.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with this inspiring Doctor of the Church.
Length and Format:
The film runs for 25 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Saint Ursula - her life, legend and mission

 

St. Ursula

A beautiful Catholic princess goes on a holy voyage of discovery, devotion and faith from England to the continent, like one of the first Apostles, Ursula became a bright light in history showing the devotion, Catholic spirituality, character and friendship of the people of her time.  Step back into the 4th century and be inspired.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with this inspiring Romano-British princess. 
Length and Format:

The film runs for 27 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Prayers of the Saints, Saint Edmund Gennings (3), English missionary Martyr, 10th December 1591

PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS
Saint Edmund Gennings (3)

Saint Edmund Gennings
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Edmund Gennings' DVD

On 10 December 1591 he was executed with Mr Wells opposite the latter's house in Gray's Inn, where he had celebrated Mass. On the scaffold, in answer to Topcliffe's gibes, he professed his loyalty to his "dear anointed queen," and declared that being a priest and saying Mass in no way made him a traitor. Of these things he acknowledged himself guilty, and rejoiced at having done such good deeds, and with God's help would do them again at the risk of a thousand lives. Topcliffe, angered at this speech, bade them turn the ladder and cut the rope, so that the martyr stood, scarcely stunned, on his feet, till the hangman tripped him up and quartered him. As he was dismembered he cried out in agony, "It smarts!" To which Mr Wells replied, "Alas, sweet soul, thy pain is great, but almost past; pray for me now, most holy saint, that mine may come."

Saint Swithun Wells prays for Saint Edmund Gennings
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

At the moment the executioner wrenched out his heart, Edmund was heard to utter in a loud voice the words, "Sancte Gregoria, ora pro me," at which the hangman swore profanely, "Zounds! His heart is in my hand, and yet Gregory is in his mouth. O egregious papist!"

 

"The smoke of incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God by the hand of an angel." - Apoc. 8, 4.

 

Reading for 10th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden

 

Watch our three films about Saint Edmund Gennings, Saint Swithun Wells and Saint Polydore Plasden, who were martyred on 10th December, on our Youtube channel.

Also available on DVD through:

 

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 



The Fool's Coat, Saint Edmund Gennings (2), English Martyr

THE FOOL'S COAT
Saint Edmund Gennings (2)

Saint Edmund is led from Saint Swithun's house in his vestments
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Edmund Gennings' DVD

Some time later Edmund Gennings and others were arrested and brought to trial. Nothing could any prove against them but one of the had celebrated Mass in Swithun Wells's house, and that one of them had heard the said Mass. Many bitter words and scoffs were used by the judges and others on the bench, particularly to Fr Gennings, because he was young and had angered them by arguing. To make him look ridiculous they dressed him up, not now in his priestly garments (in which they had before carried him through the streets), but in a comic coat which they had found in Mr Wells's house. On his return to Newgate, Topcliffe, Justice Young and others called and offered him his life, liberty, a benefice and promotion if he would go to church and renounce his religion.

Filming Saint Edmund Gennings
© Mary's Dowry Productions 2010

But finding him constant and resolute they thrust him into a dark hole, where he could not even see his hands or get up and down without risk to his neck. Here he remained without food till the hour of his death.

 

"These are they whom we had sometime in derision and for a parable of reproach." - Wis. 5. 3.

 

Reading for 9th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

For films about the English Martyrs:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

Saint Edmund Gennings DVD:
Saint Edmund Gennings is an English Catholic Saint with a story of hope and joy.  Although he was only 24 years old, he realised that the people of Elizabethan England were being deprived of the Mass during a difficult time and so he decided to bring it to them.  His silence spoke volumes and he formed great friendships that went beyond this life, showing us what a deep but simple faith, friendship and the love of God is capable of achieving. 

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint Edmund Gennings. 

 

Length and Format:

The film runs for 30 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org



God's ways not our ways, Saint Edmund Gennings (1), secular priest

GOD'S WAYS NOT OUR WAYS

Saint Edmund Gennings (1)

Secular priest

 

Saint Swithun Wells and Saint Edmund Gennings
Both men gave their lives for the Catholic Faith together on December 10th 1591
Screenshot from 'Saint Edmund Gennings' DVD
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions

Brought up a Protestant, Edmund became a page in the family of Richard Sherwood, a Catholic gentleman; here he was converted, ordained priest at Rheims and when only twenty-three years old landed again in England. His first desire was to see his family in Lichfield, but finding that all were dead except a brother who had gone to London, thither he went himself.

Saint Edmund Gennings offers Mass in the secret room in the home of Saint Swithun Wells
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Edmund Gennings' DVD

After a month's fruitless search he was about to return to the country when, walking by Saint Paul's, an unaccountable nervousness came over him; looking round, and seeing only a youth in a brown cloak, he went on to his destination to celebrate Mass. A little later on, on Ludgate Hill, the same strange feeling returned, and finding the same youth behind him he felt sure this was his brother John. He spoke to him, told him he was his kinsman, and asked him what had become of his brother Edmund. The youth replied that he had gone to the pope, was become a traitor to God and his country, and if he returned would certainly be hanged. Edmund judged the moment unpropitious to begin an attempt at his brother's conversion, and so told him who he was but without mentioning his priesthood. In due course John was converted through Edmund's martyrdom, and wrote a Life of his brother.

 

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, not My ways your ways, saith the Lord." - Isa. 55, 8.

 

Reading for 8th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

Our film about Saint Edmund Gennings is available on DVD through:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

and can also be viewed on our Youtube channel.

 



Calm your spirit with Music, Volume 3 - NEW Catholic CD

 

Calm Your Spirit With Music: Volume 3:The Complete Soundtrack from Saint Margaret Ward Enhanced for Audio CD.

The Calm Your Spirit with music series fuses instruments and soundscapes to create a contemporary, mystical and reflective mood which is both uplifting and meditative and tells a story. Each volume presents a music soundtrack taken from an individual film but enhances it for CD. As each track builds upon the next you are absorbed in a journey of peace, prayer, thought and memory. Let the stirring cello, piano, Celtic harps, mystical winds, ancient flutes and pads absorb and uplift. Perfect as background music, or for chilling out, for becoming lost in thought, prayer or to simply absorb yourself in the tunes these original soundtracks will help unwind and calm.

Track Listing:

Track 1 - Let the Heavens Rejoice and the Earth be Glad (2.00).
Track 2 - I Have Trusted in Your Loving Kindness (4:27).
Track 3 - My Heart Shall Rejoice in Your Salvation (4:44).
Track 4 - You are the God Who Works Wonders (6:00).
Track 5 - O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom has thou made them all (5:37).
Track 6 - My yoke is easy, and my burden is light (3:26).
Track 7 - Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. (4:57)

AboutBernadette Bevans has been writing music since the age of fourteen. 
Specialising in writing music as underscore to film and narrative,
Bernadette has been compiling original albums for many years. Many
of these include ancient English fusion music such as the early albums
Lands, Journeys, Dreams and many more. Recently the Holy Spirit Series
was inspired as a much more reflective and background type style
and has been enjoyed by many for meditation and for chilling out on the
 train to work. The Calm Your Spirit with Music Series is a long
awaited series making the music soundtracks from many of the Mary’s
Dowry Productions films available on complete and enhanced CD.Length and Format:Calm Your Spirit with Music is available worldwide on Audio CD and is 32 minutes in length.

Series:This audio CD is Volume 3 in the Series of Music Albums "Calm Your Spirit with Music".

Available worldwide through:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Saint Bega of Bees

 

St. Bega of Bees

St. Bega was an Irish princess who fled her homeland in the night to escape a planned marriage.  As she stood upon the seashore St. Bega implored of God a means to cross the Irish Sea to England. God heard her prayer and she cut a section of turf from the ground, placed it upon the sea and miraculously crossed to Cumbria where she lived as a hermit. Fearing the attack of pirates St. Bega made her way to the court of the Catholic King Oswald of Northumbria and received the veil from St. Aidan of Lindisfarne. Miracles occurred after her death and she has been remembered recently in secular novels, plays and paintings. Includes a prayer found recently in a 15^th century book of hours to St. Bega. A prayerful, mystical journey with St. Bega. 

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with this inspiring saint.

Length and Format:

The film runs for 27 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Carthusians in Tudor England (2), Saint John Houghton, English Martyr (part two), DVD, with photographs - Thomas Cromwell

Saint John Houghton 'O Lord, what will You do with my heart?'
Screenshot from 'Saint John Houghton' DVD
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions

In April 1535 the royal commissioners were due to descend upon the Charterhouse to obtain the sworn acceptance of the monks to the Act of Supremacy, or risk being charged with high treason should they refuse. John Houghton asked for three days of special preparation to be held. The first was devoted to prayers and Prior Houghton's homily was a meditation on Psalm 59: 'Save me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who attack me...' He concluded by saying, 'It is better for us to bear some brief punishment for our faults than to be preserved for eternal torments.' The second day was given over to confession and reconciliation with each other, and the third to a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. It was a most moving experience for all the community. While this triduum was taking place, apparently quite by coincidence, Priors Lawrence and Webster came to London to consult with John Houghton and their brethren.

Thomas Cromwell
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions

The three priors sought an interview with Thomas Cromwell, King Henry VIII's chief secretary and since 1535 Ecclesiastical Vicar General. Cromwell, along with his protégé, Richard Rich, was responsible for the visitation and eventual suppression of the monasteries, euphemistically referred to as the 'dissolution'. This was the man the three monks naively hoped to persuade to give them exemption, or at least to agree a form of oath that would be acceptable to their communities. Cromwell treated them discourteously and refused to listen. He committed all three of them to the Tower and on 20th April they were brought before Cromwell, Rich, Bedyll and others. They remained steadfast in their refusal to take the oath and consistent in the reasons they adduced for doing so. The priors declared themselves willing to take the path if, once again, they could add 'as far as the law of God allows'. But Cromwell would permit no such condition, and insisted that the oath be taken without reservation, which the free priors refused to do.

They were sent to the Tower of London and joined there four days later by Richard Reynolds, a monk of the Bridgettine Order.

 

Taken from The Forty Martyrs of England and Wales by Malcolm Pullen

 

Our film about Saint John Houghton will be available on DVD from:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

 

 

 



A hymn for a Martyr, from The Primer of 1706

A HYMN FOR A MARTYR

From The Primer of 1706

 

O GOD, the lot, reward and prize

That crowns thy martyrs' victories,

Grant, while we sing this martyrs' praise,

We may renounce our evil ways.

 

The world with specious cheats disguised

He soon discovered and despised,

And laboured for a nobler gain

Than palling pleasures mixed with pain.

 

No force could make his mind relent,

No racks his resolution bent;

Fearless of death he sheds his blood,

And wades to Heaven through the flood.

 

O vocal blood, now pierce the skies,

And deal with Heaven to hear our cries,

That on his glorious triumph we

May find indulgence, Lord, with thee.

 

May age to age for ever sing

The Virgin's Son and angels' King;

And praise with the celestial host

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

For films about the Saints and English Martyrs:

www.marysdowryproductions.org 

Saint Clare of Assisi

 

Saint Clare of Assisi:
A beautifully contemplative saint who was so struck by her friend St. Francis of Assisi that she left everything to follow his rule of simplicity, poverty and prayer.  St. Clare founded an order of nuns known today as the Poor Clares.  A sweet, gentle and fulfilling encounter.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint Clare of Assisi.
Length and Format:

 

The film runs for 30 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

We ship worldwide, region free.

Letter on prayer by Saint Maximilian Kolbe - Martyr of Charity - Mary's Dowry Productions, DVD, with photographs

 

Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, O.F.M. Conv. (Polish: Maksymilian Maria Kolbe [maksɨˌmʲilʲjan ˌmarʲja ˈkɔlbɛ]; 8 January 1894 – 14 August 1941) was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar, who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz, located in German-occupied Poland during World War II. He was active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, founding and supervising the monastery of Niepokalanów near Warsaw, operating a radio station, and founding or running several other organizations and publications.

Kolbe was canonized on 10 October 1982 by Pope John Paul II, and declared a martyr of charity. He is the patron saint of drug addicts, political prisoners, families, journalists, prisoners, and the pro-life movement. Pope John Paul II declared him "The Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century".

Due to Kolbe's efforts to promote consecration and entrustment to Mary, he is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary.

 

Saint Maximilian's letter on prayer

September 10th 1940

Written from Niepokalanow to Mugensai no Sono

 

Maria! Dear children,

Prayer truly is a well known and powerful means to achieve tranquillity of soul, to provide the soul with feelings of happiness that she's being led to God. Prayer renews the world. Prayer is the indispensable means for the rebirth of the genuine life of the soul.

Although she never left her convent, through prayer Saint Therese became the patroness of the missions. As experience demonstrates, she was not the patroness in name only. Let's imitate her devotion to prayer.

Saint Therese of Lisieux - Patroness of the missions
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'The Last Conversations of Therese' DVD

 Let's pray ardently and frequently in thought and expression. Then we'll experience how the Immaculata increasingly will reign in our hearts, how we more and more become her property, how our faults will disappear, how defects will decline as we humbly yet boldly approach God. The exterior activity is good, but it is of a secondary importance and even less in comparison with the interior life, the life of recollection and prayer - the life of our personal love for God.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe - man of prayer even in the horrors of Auschwitz
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Maximilian Kolbe' DVD

Only through prayer do we achieve the ideal proposed by Saint Augustine, namely, love for God at the cost of self-denial. Not just a feigned self-denial is here meant, but a genuine appraisal so that we're able to know ourselves, our unworthiness, our weakness, that we can judge ourselves, despise ourselves and wish that others would treat us as we deserve. To the degree that we are consumed by the love of God, we'll be successful in bringing others to this love. My payer is running out. I must close. Pray for me that I do what I recommend to you.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Maximilian Kolbe' DVD

Dear children, may the Immaculata always and everywhere bless you. In all your necessities, temptations and adversities, may she press you to her maternal heart. May she grant each one tranquillity of soul, that peace which the world can't comprehend. May she grant you courage that no one retreats or seeks to avoid the sacrifice which our commitment to her imposes upon us. May our consecration to her be perfected to the extent that she may dispose freely over our life, our death, eternity, over our powers of soul and body, over our whole being.
Your brother Maksymilian Maria Kolbe

(Correspondence, Volume 4, Number 784, pp. 373-375, Niepokalanow Archives)

In 2015, Mary's Dowry Productions spent a day filming prayerful and silent scenes from key moments in the lives of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Edith Stein and Titus Brandsma, for three DVDs that will offer a reflective journey through the lives and joyful example of these three great models of love and charity in film.

Preparation for filming scenes
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions

 Filmed on small sets that were built in the barn, attached to English Martyrs Catholic Church in Worthing, West Sussex, the scenes are silent recreations of important and inspiring moments and fragments from the lives of our saints. We recreated costumes and props and windows into events and turning points in each life which present reflection.

Costume for 'Saint Maximilian Kolbe' DVD
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions

Our DVDs are available worldwide from our online shop, with Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Edith Stein completed and Blessed Titus Brandsma currently in production.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe:
A prayerful film on the life of a 20th Century Franciscan priest who radiated such love for God and those around him that he was able to leave us a beautiful witness of hope.  Very relevant for our troubled society today.  Touches upon freemasonry, World War 2 and a pivotal moment in world history.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint Maximilian Kolbe.
Length and Format:

The film runs for 30 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD, shipped worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Cross and Crown - Saint Alexander Briant, English Martyr, Elizabethan, Robert Persons, the English Mission, Mary's Dowry Productions

CROSS AND CROWN

Saint Alexander Briant - Jesuit

 

Whilst in prison Saint Alexander Briant made a cross of such wood as he could get, apparently a small wooden trencher, and upon it he drew with charcoal a figure of our Lord. This crucifix he carried with him when he went to trial at Westminster Hall.

 

Saint Alexander Briant makes a small cross of wood
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

He made shift also to shave his crown because he would signify in this way that he was a priest and not ashamed to show it. When the ministers reproached him and bade him cast his crucifix away, he answered, "Never will I do so, for I am a soldier of the cross, nor will I henceforth desert this standard unto death." Someone stretched forward and snatched the cross from his hand, upon which he said, "You may tear it from my hands, but you cannot take it from my heart. Nay, I shall die for Him who first died on it for me."

 

Saint Alexander Briant with his crucifix at his trial
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

On the scaffold, his fair and honest face beaming with joy, he expressed his great happiness in being made worthy to die for the faith, and in company with Edmund Campion whom he heartily revered. As the words of the Miserere were on his lips the cart was drawn away. Alexander Briant was about twenty-five years old; he is counted among the Jesuit martyrs as he had made a vow to offer himself to the Society.

 

Saint Alexander Briant at the gallows of Tyburn, London 1581
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

"God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world." - Gal. 6, 14.

 

Reading for December 3rd

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

In 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions filmed some prayerful and reflective scenes from the lives of two English Martyrs for two new productions on DVD - Saint Alexander Briant and Saint Edmund Arrowsmith. We recreated some backdrops in the barn attached to our parish church which included rooms and prison cells where the young man portraying Saint Alexander Briant was able to kneel in prayer and participate in silent reconstructions of key events from his life.

 

Film set for 'Saint Alexander Briant'
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions

Saint Alexander Briant (17 August 1556 – 1 December 1581) was was born in Somerset, and entered Hart Hall, Oxford (now Hertford College), at an early age. While there, he became a pupil of Father Robert Parsons and he completed his studies with him at Balliol College, which, along with his association with Richard Holtby, led to his conversion. After leaving university, he entered the English College at Reims then went to the English College, Douai, and was ordained priest on 29 March 1578. Assigned to the English mission in August of the following year he laboured with zeal in his own county of Somerset.

 

Saint Alexander Briant and Robert Persons, the best of friends
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

A party of the persecution, searching for Father Parsons, placed Alexander Briant under arrest on 28 April 1581, in the hope of extorting information. After fruitless attempts to this end at Counter Prison, London, he was taken to the Tower where he was subjected to torture. With six other priests he was arraigned on 16 November 1581, in Queen's Bench, Westminster, on the charge of high treason, and condemned to death. In his letter to the Jesuit Fathers he says that he felt no pain during the various tortures he underwent, and adds: "Whether this that I say be miraculous or no, God knoweth." He was twenty-five years old when he was executed by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 1 December 1581; Edmund Campion and Ralph Sherwin were also executed with him.

Alexander Briant was declared venerable on 8 December 1921 by Pope Pius XI and beatified one week later on 15 December. Blessed Alexander Briant was canonized nearly forty-nine years later in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales with a common feast day of 25 October. His feast day is celebrated on 1 December, the day of his martyrdom.

 

Saint Alexander Briant tries to catch rainwater in his hat in prison
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

 

Father Robert Persons, being regarded as a most active and dangerous leader of Catholics, was ever an object of the pursuviants search; thy never succeeded in his capture, but many other prizes were secured in his stead. Amongst these was taken Alexander Briant, a young man of some twenty five years of age, of gentle manners and a countenance of striking beauty. After three years at Oxford, he was reconciled and entered Douay, and in 1579 started as a priest on the English Mission. He laboured first in his own county, Somersetshire, where he brought back Persons' father to the Church, and thence went to London and took lodgings next to Persons, his closest and dearest friend.

 

Filming Robert Persons and Alexander Briant on set
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions

On his arrest, Alexander Briant was confined in the Counter, and in that revolting prison, in order to extract from him Persons' whereabouts, he was for two days and nights entirely deprived of food and drink. He then contrived to get some stale cheese and hard bread with a pint of beer, but this brought on a maddening thirst. After six days in the Counter nothing had been gained from him, and sharper methods were resolved on.

After almost dying of thirst at the Counter, he was transferred to the Tower, where Norton, the rack-master, put him to torture with unexampled ferocity (Norton indeed was reprimanded and punished - lightly). Father Briant would neither confess where he had seen Persons, how he was maintained, where he had said Mass, nor whose confessions he had heard. He bore all unmoved, and with constant mind and pleasant countenance said the Miserere, desiring God to forgive his tormentors.

 

Tortured in the Tower.
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

Whereat an official said furiously, "What a thing is this! If a man were not settled in his religion, this were enough to convert him." He was torn upon the rack till his body was disjointed, and the next day racked yet more severely; but he resolved to die rather than hurt any living creature by a word of his. Norton asked him whether the queen was supreme head of the Church in England or not? To which he said, "I am a Catholic, and I believe in this as a Catholic should do." "Why," said Norton, "they say the pope is." "And so say I," answered Alexander Briant.

 

 

Our film about Saint Alexander Briant is a reflective and prayerful journey with one of our English Martyrs on DVD available through: www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

 

Saint Alexander Briant:
A touching and thought provoking journey with a very young and holy Catholic priest whose spiritual insight and wisdom of the Catholic Faith gave hope to the people of his day.  Although linked to St. Edmund Campion, his story stands alone, edged with the mystical.  From a young boy in Somerset to a young priest in the City of London, St. Alexander's story is filled with peace, encouragement and inspiration.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with this young and holy priest.
Length and Format:

 

The film runs for 30 minutes and is available worldwide on Region Free DVD.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

We ship worldwide and region free

 

Father of the Poor, Saint John Fisher, English Martyr, Bishop and Cardinal, Tudor

Saint John Fisher attempts to go out, despite his own ill health
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Fisher' DVD

To poor sick persons John Fisher was a physician, to the lame he was a staff, to poor widows an advocate, to orphans a tutor and to poor travellers a host. Wheresoever he lay, either at Rochester or elsewhere, his order was to inquire where any poor sick folks lay near him, which after he once knew, he would diligently visit them. And when he saw any of them likely to die, he would preach to them, teaching them the way to die, with such godly persuasions that for the most part he never departed till the sick persons were well satisfied and contented with death.

Saint John Fisher - Father of the poor
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Fisher' DVD

Many times it was his chance to come to such poor houses as, for want of chimneys, were unbearable for the smoke, yet himself would there sit three or four hours together when none of his servants were able to abide in the house. And in some other poor houses where stairs were wanting, he would never disdain to climb a ladder for such a good purpose. And when he had given them such religious comfort as he thought expedient for their souls, he would at his departure, leave behind him his charitable alms, giving charge to his steward daily to prepare meat for them if they were poor.

 

"Because I had delivered the poor man that cried out and the fatherless that had no helper, the blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I comforted the heart of the widow." - Job 29, 12.

 

 

Saint John Fisher:
Almost everyone has seen "A Man For All Seasons" which focuses upon St. Thomas More, but the only other leading figure in Catholic Tudor England who placed God before the king was St. John Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester who was made Cardinal of England in the Tower of London.  Beginning with his early life as a young boy, we follow St. John Fisher through the Tudor Courts, his assassination attempts on his life and his writings and holy family life.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with Saint John Fisher.
Length and Format:

The film runs for one hour and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Spectacle to men and angels - Saint Edmund Campion, Jesuit, English Martyr, Elizethan Catholic Saint - December 1st 1581

Original painting of Saint Edmund Campion
Sent to Mary's Dowry Productions from Australia
© 2010

Edmund Campion, the brilliant Oxford scholar, orator, Anglican deacon, convert - "One of England's diamonds" - was done to death in London on 1st December 1581 at the age of about forty. His tempestuous career as one of the first two Jesuit priests in England had lasted but fourteen months; then came betrayals, the rack in the Tower, the Tyburn gallows. He was brought out from his cell, in an old frieze gown, in the splash and mud of a wet morning. Cheerfully he saluted the crowd of spectators: "God save you all, gentlemen! God bless you and make you all good Catholics!"

After kneeling in prayer, he was strapped to the hurdle, his companions Ralph Sherwin and Alexander Briant being together bound on a second hurdle.

 

Saint Edmund Campion's last prayers in the Tower
© 2008 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'God's Champion - Saint Edmund Campion' DVD

They were dragged at the horses' tails through the gutter and filth, followed by a jeering rabble, sobered somewhat to see how gladly these men died. Some Catholics present were consoled by a word from him, and one gentleman wiped his face all spattered with mire and filth. Passing under the arch of Newgate, whereupon still stood an image of Our Lady, Campion raised himself and saluted her whom he hoped soon to see. At the gallows he began with a sweet firm voice, "Spectaculum facti sumus Deo angelis et hominibus, " but the sheriffs interrupted him, and urged him to confess his treason. He maintained his innocence, declined to join in prayer with the ministers, and asked all Catholics to say the Creed on his behalf. His last audible words were for "Elizabeth, your queen and my queen, unto whom I wish a long reign with all prosperity."

 

"We are made a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men." - 1 Cor. 4, 9 (quoted by Campion on the scaffold.

 

DVD of Saint Edmund Campion - runtime 1 hour
© 2008 Mary's Dowry Productions

 

St. Edmund Campion: A Hero Returns

 

Although he defended the Catholic Faith in Elizabethan England with outstanding writings that captured many audiences including the most powerful of the courts, St. Edmund Campion was a man of intense faith, prayer and hope.  From his early life he sought the Truth, left his high position as Queen Elizabeth I's favourite, travelled Europe and returned to England to bring the Mass  to the people in a hostile environment. his prayer, devotion and love of God shines out in his own words.

In 2007 Mary’s Dowry productions created a new form of film media to present the lives of the saints. Mary’s Dowry Productions recreates stunning silent visuals, informative, devotional narration, and original contemplative music that touches your spirit to draw you into a spiritual encounter with the saint. Watch with your spiritual eye, listen with your spiritual ear. Our films seek to offer a window into the lives of our saints. Using your spiritual senses we invite you to shut out the world, sit prayerfully and peacefully and go on a journey of faith, history and prayer with this inspiring Elizabethan Saint.

Length and Format:

The film runs for 1 hour and 5 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

Our film about Saint Edmund Campion is available from:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

As seen on EWTN