Love of Our Lady - Blessed Arthur Bell, English Martyr, Tyburn priest - Reading for 20th December

LOVE OF OUR LADY

Blessed Arthur Bell - Franciscan Friar

Blessed Arthur Bell - Franciscan Friar

BORN of a Worcestershire family, he was educated first at St Omer, then at Valladolid, and became a Franciscan at Segovia in 1617. He was distinguished by a rare union of learning with a sweet, joyous and ardent temperament and an overflowing sympathy with his fellow men which drew like a magnet. From his earliest years he had a special devotion to Our Lady.

 

Fellow English Martyr, Father Henry Morse, instructs recusant
Catholics using an image of Our Lady, outlawed during Penal Times.
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Henry Morse' DVD

He bound himself by a vow to recite her office daily, and is said to have been in the habit of saying it alternately in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, French, Flemish and English. He filled various offices in his order, and then laboured on the English Mission. Our Lady's feasts marked the important events of his life. He was professed on her Birthday, and on the same feast was sent on the English mission; his death sentence, for which he had prayed twenty years and recited daily Psalm 35, was pronounced on the feast of her conception. Bell was executed for his priesthood at Tyburn on 11 December 1643.

 

The hangman's noose
© 2015 Mary's Dowry Productions

"Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors." - Prov. 8, 34.

 

Reading for 20th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden

 

For films about the English Martyrs:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

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 our Saints and English Martyrs.

Blessed Arthur Bell, who in religion was known as Father Francis, is also one of the patrons of the Shrine of Our Lady of West Grinstead in West Sussex
(See our upcoming post about the Door of Mercy and the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation).

 

Saint Bega

SAINT BEGA

FEAST DAY - 31ST OCTOBER

IRISH PRINCESS, CATHOLIC SAINT

Saint Bega of Bees
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Bega' DVD

THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS FROM 'THE NEWMAN CONNECTION':

 

St. Bega was a saint of the early Middle Ages.  She was an Irish princess who valued virginity.  She was promised in a marriage to a Viking Prince who was the son of the King of Norway.  To avoid her arranged marriage, she fled across the Irish Sea and landed at St. Bees on the Cumbrian coast.  She settled there for a while, leading a life of piety.  She feared the oncoming raids of Pirates along the coast, and moved to Northumbria.  

 

The account of St. Bega’s flight from Ireland is found in the “Life of St. Bega”, which was part of a collection of various English saints lives that belonged to the Holmcultram Abbey and is dated to the mid thirteenth century.  It tells that Bega lived in seclusion and after a time, moved to Northumbria where she was admitted to sacred vows.  It also states she founded a convent at Hartlepool.  

 

Saint Bega's Bracelet
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Bega' DVD

 St. Bega is associated with a number of miracles, the most famous being the “Snow Miracle”, which is described in the Life of St. Bega.  “Ranulf le Meschin had endowed the monastery with its lands, but a lawsuit later developed about their extent.  The monks feared a miscarriage of justice.  The day appointed for a perambulation of the boundaries arrived – and lo and behold, there was a thick snowfall on all the surrounding lands but not a flake upon the lands of the priory”.   A version of the Snow Miracle is also found in the Sanford manuscript, which was written in English after the dissolution, and formerly in the Dean and Chapter archives at Carlisle Cathedral.  

 

The book “Life of St. Bega” contains accounts on nine miracles brought about by the influence of St. Bega.  They are earthy folk tales with a miraculous interpretation.  The first concerns a raider from Galloway, who set out to steal a horse.  His mother warned him against theft on the land of St. Bega, but her son was scornful and moving his hands to the private parts of his buttocks, he tauntingly had said to his mother, “What can the little old woman do to me”?  As he escaped with his horse, arrows were fired after him as he crouched low on the horse, and the inevitable happened.  Another tells the concerns of Godard of Millom, whose men would not remove their horses from the monk’s pasture to which they had strayed.  When the men came to saddle the horses, they found the hooves almost severed, and in penance Godard gave the field to the Monks.  In another story, three men of Workington, who were imprisoned in Egremont Castle of killing a man in a drunken brawl, but having confessed their sins to St. Bega, were rescued by her and found sanctuary at St. Bees.  And finally, another miracle tells of two sick brothers who after seeing a vision at Tynmouth, traveled to St. Bees in a cart, and were healed, leaving the cart behind in thanksgiving.

Saint Bega - hermit and contemplative
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Bega' DVD

The official register of St. Bees Priory records several miracles by the power of prayer to St. Bega.  In 1310, “God worked many miracles by the prayers and merits of St. Bega, to the edification of all the people with many eye-witnesses”.  Three years later, “A certain Irish boy received his sight in the Chapel of St. Bega through the merits and prayers of St. Bega, witnessed by the entire community”.

   

Practical Take Away

St. Bega was an Irish Princess that was promised in an arranged marriage, to the son of the King of Norway.  She fled to avoid this, seeking the religious life.  She fled, and lived in seclusion and in piety, before entering a convent.  She performed many miracles, and they were recorded in both, a 13^th – Century writing, “The Life of St. Bega”, and in the register at the Convent at St. Bees where she was located.  She had a unique connection with God, and lived her faith, sharing it with those around her.  God is there and wants us to be united with Him, just as St. Bega united with Him, and did His will.  We too, can do miraculous things if we would only “unite” our will, to the will of God.

 

  

Encounter Saint Bega in a new film:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

St. Bega of Bees DVD

 

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.  

Saint Bega of Bees
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Bega' DVD
 

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 saint.

 

Length and Format:

 

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

www.marysdowryproductions.org

A Valiant Woman - Saint Margaret Clitherow - laywoman, Saint, English Martyr - a persistent recusant Catholic

A VALIANT WOMAN

Saint Margaret Clitherow - English Martyr

 

Screenshot from 'Saint Margaret Clitherow' DVD
© 2009 Mary's Dowry Productions

MARGARET MIDDLETON married John Clitherow, butcher and grazier, a freeman of the city of York, in 1571, and shortly afterwards became a Catholic. During the following twelve years her house was a refuge for priests, whom she received at her own peril, and she brought up her children in the faith; her husband was not a Catholic, but seems not to have hampered his wife's activities..

Saint Margaret Clitherow hides forbidden liturgical items in a safe room
© 2009 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Margaret Clitherow' DVD

For her persistent recusancy Margaret was several times put in prison, even for two years together, but her sufferings only increased her fervour. "Were it not," she said, "for my husband and children I would rather stay there always, apart from the world with God."

She was most attentive to the care of her house, witty, cheerful and good-looking, and her constancy and patience never failed. Her husband was later to say of her, "Let them take all I have and save her, for she is the best wife in all England, and the best Catholic."

She has, he said, only two faults, fasting too much and refusing to go to church.

 

"Her children rose up and called her blessed, her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all." - Prov. 31, 28-29.

 

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory.

 

Our film about Saint Margaret Clitherow is available from:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

Saint Margaret Clitherow:

In the historical context of Saint Margaret's time in history, the spiritual aspects of her faith bore fruit in her simple daily tasks, fulfilled in her intention of serving her fellow York citizens, sheltering hunted priests and making sure that her children received a proper Catholic education in a climate of Elizabethan hostility.  Her conflict with the Earl of Huntington, Queen Elizabeth I's cousin, culminated in a poignant and moving witness for the Catholic Church in England.  She is held up and remembered inspiringly for Christians today. 

Saint Margaret Clitherow reads 'The Imitation of Christ' in prison
© 2009 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Margaret Clitherow' DVD

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 Margaret Clitherow. Closing the distance of time between Elizabethan England and the present day, encounter this inspiring young wife and mother. 

Length and Format: 

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

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 



A Good Thief - "Here we are all going to die..." - Saint John Roberts (3), English Martyr, Tyburn Gallows - executed 10th December

A GOOD THIEF
Saint John Roberts (3)

Saint Edmund Gennings, also hanged at Tyburn - 1591
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Edmund Campion' DVD

FINDING himself about to be hanged at Tyburn in company with sixteen criminals, he blessed and spoke to them: "Here we are all going to die, nor have we any hope of escape; but of you die in that religion now professed in this country, without doubt you will perish everlastingly. For the love then of our blessed Saviour I earnestly pray you that we may all die in one faith, and to show this say with me: 'I believe in the holy Catholic Church, and I desire to die a member of that Church. I repent for having led so naughty and wicked a life, and that I have grievously offended my sweet Saviour.' At least one of the poor wretches answered this appeal. Father Roberts then addressed the people, and, looking at the fire prepared to burn their entrails, remarked, "Here's a hot breakfast ready on a cold day." He invoked the saints in Heaven, Mr Somers commended himself, and he cart was drawn away. They were allowed to hang till they were dead. It was 10 December 1610. Saint John Roberts was 33.

 

"This day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise." - Luke 24, 43.

 

Reading for 19th December

From the 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 

A Last Meal - Saint John Roberts (2), Tyburn Martyr, Luisa de Carvajal

A LAST MEAL

Saint John Roberts (2)

Painting of Luisa de Carvajal

LUISA DE CARVAJAL, a noble Spanish lady, had come to London to minister to Catholics suffering for the faith. She visited prisoners, stood by the scaffold to cheer the dying, and buried the dead - all amidst the hooting of the rabble dogging her footsteps. She obtained leave to prepare a supper for Father Roberts and Somers on the eve of their martyrdom, and for their fellow prisoners in Newgate. It is thus described:

"They then sat down to supper - twenty prisoners for conscience' sake, twenty confessors of the faith - Luisa de Carvajal presiding at the head of the table. The meal was a devout and joyful one - heavenly the refreshment ministered to the guests, great the fervour and spiritual delight which our Lord bestowed on His valiant soldiers, giving them that peace which passeth all understanding. Scarcely anyone thought of eating. In the course of the evening Father Roberts asked her, 'Do you not think I may be causing disedification by my great glee? Would it not be better to retire into a corner and give myself to prayer?' 'No, certainly not,' Luisa answered. 'You cannot be better employed than by letting them all see with what cheerful courage you are about to die for Christ'."

 

"Where is the guest-chamber, where I may eat the pasch with my diciples?" - Luke 22, 11.

 

Reading for 18th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden

Father Robert Persons and Saint Alexander Briant enjoying a meal
amidst their missionary work in England 1581
© 2013 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Alexander Briant' DVD

 

For films on the lives of the English Martyrs:

www.marysdowryproductions.org



A Welsh Monk - Saint John Roberts (1), Tyburn Martyr, Benedictine

A WELSH MONK

Saint John Roberts - Benedictine Monk

Saint Polydore Plasden - also hanged at Tyburn on 10th December (1591),
but 19 years to the day before Saint John Roberts (d. 1610)
Both priests were executed for their priesthood and the Catholic Faith
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from @Saint Polydore Plasden' DVD

JOHN ROBETRS, an outstanding Benedictine martyr, was born in a remote mountain parish of Merioneth in 1577 and was brought up nominally a Protestant. He was at Oxford for a short time, sharing rooms with the man who was to be the well-known Dom Leander Jones, and he himself was soon formally reconciled with the Church. He became a monk in Spain, and took an active part in the foundation of that community of English monks at Douay that is now St Gregory's, Downside. In England, Father Roberts was repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, released and exiled, and particularly distinguished himself by his work among the plague-stricken in London.

Saint Henry Morse, a fellow English Martyr, also worked among the plague-stricken of London
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Henry Morse: Priest of the Plague' DVD

John Roberts was taken up for the last time on Advent Sunday 1610, and arraigned for his priesthood. He told the court: "I acknowledge that I am a priest and a monk of the holy Order of St Benedict, as were also St Augustine, St Lawrence, St Paulinus, St Mellitus and St Justus; and as these monks converted our country from unbelief, so I have done what little I could to liberate it from heresy. I leave it to you, Mr Recorder, and the rest of you to judge whether this is high treason." With Father Roberts was sentence Bd Thomas Somers, from Westmorland, also for his priesthood.

 

"For behold he that formeth the mountains..., he that maketh the morning mist and walketh upon the high places of the earth - the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name." - Amos 4, 13.

 

Reading for 17th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

 

We have not yet produced our own film telling the life of Saint John Roberts but for other films about the English Martyrs:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 



"A man for all seasons" - Saint Thomas More, Tudors, King Henry VIII, Tower Hill, Catholic DVD

"A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS"
Saint Thomas More

Saint Thomas More led from the Tower of London
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Thomas More' DVD

MORE was beheaded on 6 July 1535. On being brought to the scaffold, he seemed so weak that he said to the lieutenant, "I pray you, sir, see me safe up, and for my coming down let me shift for myself." Forbidden to say much to the crowd around, he desired the people to pray for him, and to bear witness with him that he there died in and for the faith of the Holy Catholic Church, saying, "The king's good servant - but God's first."

 

Sir Thomas More with King Henry VIII
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Thomas More' DVD

After saying the Miserere on his knees, he kissed the executioner and encouraged him, saying, "Thou wilt do me this day a greater benefit than ever any mortal man can be able to give me. Pluck up they spirit, man, and be not afraid to do thy office. My neck is very short; take heed therefore that thou strike not awry, for saving of thine honesty." Then, covering his eyes and laying his head upon the block, he moved aside his beard, saying that that had never committed any treason.

 

Saint Thomas More covers his eyes
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Thomas More' DVD



He was beheaded at one stroke. And then he found those words true which he had often spoken, that "a man may lose his head and have no harm; yea, I say, unspeakable good and everlasting happiness."

 

"He that shall lose his life for Me shall find it." - Matt. 10, 39.

 

Saint Thomas More - beheaded on Tower Hill 1535
© 2012 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Thomas More' DVD

Reading from

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden

 

 

Saint Thomas More DVD:

 

 

One of the most inspiring figures in English history, St. Thomas More was immensely holy even though he held one of the highest offices in the realm.  At a difficult time in England's past, this man of faith stood his ground, placing God first, above all else.  Moving and reflective, St. Thomas More's insights into prayer show us how we too can integrate a deep union of faith and morals with our daily life and work.  Tudor music and haunting ethereal voices combine to lift this spiritual film to inspire each of us. 

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 Tudor Saint.

Length and Format:

 

The film runs for 66 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org



Dreams - Early Music CD from Bernadette Bevans (composer for the films of Mary's Dowry Productions)

 

DREAMS
A Complete Instrumental Fusion Audio CD.

The album 'Dreams' is a blend of unique and contrasting instruments, from solo piano, folk guitar and classical flute, to Gothic Choir and Strings. Each piece takes you into a dream world, on a journey with their haunting melodies and characters. As you enter the world of each original title, you will find yourself absorbed, whether it is through the wild stirring Tango Accordian of 'Grizzled Skipper' that transports you to a smugglers Tavern, or the sweet enchanting classical flute of 'Angel Shades' that whisks you above the clouds. Your soul will be moved and engulfed in the magic of the sounds.

Track Listing:

1. Angel Shades (2:16)
2. Between the Roses (2:42)
3. Sapphire Rain (2:42)
4. Nightfall (2:54)
5. Dragon Tree (2:30)
6. Grizzled Skipper (1:29)
7. Ferverish Dream (2:58)
8. Ruby Tigers (2:33)
9. Scented Ash (2:17)
10. Under the Storax (1:56)
11. Through the Doorway (3:11)
12. The Dryad (2:54)

 

 

About
Bernadette 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:
DREAMS is available worldwide on Audio CD and is 29 minutes in length.

About This Series:
This audio CD is Volume 3 in the Series of Music Albums "Reflective Ancient English Fusion Music".  This is the earliest series of music written by Bernadette, begun in the late 1990s on simple piano and evolving to Clavinova and transforming what began with piano solo to a blending of unique instrumental styles.  This particular album is the first album composed entirely on Clavinova and takes on an appealing variety of instruments and moods.  As with all Bernadette's music the foundation is reflective, mystical and atmospheric but with a love of Olde English style a new and original sound was gradually developed over the years by fusing the reflective base with ancient and unexpected instruments.  Dreams contains both calming meditative tracks with some lighter tunes too.  Perfect for thought-provoking moods, chilling out or listening to in the background. 

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

Malchus' Ear - Blesseds John Mason, Sidney Hodgson and Brian Lacey, laymen and English Martyrs

MALCHUS' EAR

BB. John Mason, Sidney Hodgson and Brian Lacey

Laymen

Blessed John Mason
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

THESE had all been present, with the priests Polydore Plasden and Eustace White, when Mr Edmund Gennings celebrated Mass at Swithun Wells's house. Mason, who had been a gentleman servant in Oxfordshire, was first indicted for: knowing and not revealing a seminary priest, but pleaded successfully that the three days allowed for such denunciations had not expired. He was then charged with abetting a priest to escape. He was, in fact, the man who had thrown Topcliffe downstairs and broken his head.

Blessed John Mason and Sidney Hodgson shown at the Mass celebrated
in Saint Swithun Wells's house
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

This much the young man confessed. Asked if he were not sorry for the fact, he replied, "No; if it were to do again, I would resist the wicked, that they should not take God's priests, yea, although I were to be punished with twenty deaths." There suffered with him another serving man, Sidney Hodgson, who, finding himself unpinioned in the belief that he had recanted, boldly declared that, although he had asked her Majesty's forgiveness, he would not have the judge think that he would deny his faith. His offence was helping priests, and so was Brian Lacey's.

Blessed John Mason with Saint Swithun Wells in prison
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD

He was a Yorkshire man, cousin and assistant of the Ven. Montford Scott, and had been informed against by his own brother. All three were executed at Tyburn on 10th December 1591.

 

 

"One of them that stood by, drawing a sword, struck a servant of the chief priest and cut off his ear." - Mark 14, 47.

 

Reading for 15th 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

 

Blessed John Mason was executed with Saint Polydore Plasden at the Triple Tyburn Tree. In our three films about Saint Polydore Plasden, Saint Edmund Gennings and Saint Swithun Wells, we follow Blessed John Mason, who served in the home of Saint SwithunWells. He features in this trilogy of DVDs. If you watch our film about 'Saint Swithun Wells' you will leave Blessed John Mason with Saint Polydore Plasden as Saint Swithun Wells and Saint Edmund Gennings are separated on the journey to Tyburn from the other priests and laymen. Swithun and Edmund were executed outside of Swithun's house. If you watch our film about 'Saint Polydore Plasden' you will continue Blessed John Mason's journey as he is executed with Polydore at the Tyburn gallows, assisted by the kind and comforting words and prayers of the young priest as he is hanged.

Filming Blessed John Mason for 'Saint Swithun Wells' DVD
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions

If you love the English Martyrs we recommend watching all three films as a trilogy as they become one story. All three are available to view on our Youtube Channel and are also available on DVD:

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 



Mass Interrupted - Saint Polydore Plasden, secular priest, Elizabethan English Martyr, Richard Topcliffe

MASS INTERRUPTED

Saint Polydore Plasden - Secular priest

 

Saint Polydore follows Saint Edmund Gennings as they are led away
under arrest after celebrating an outlawed Mass
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from Saint Polydore Plasden DVD

POLYDORE PLASDEN, born in London and "a very virtuous and godly priest", was a fellow student with Saint Edmund Gennings at Rheims and was captured at Saint Swithun Wells's house. Gennings was celebrating Mass when Topcliffe and his men appeared on the scene. The laymen present, "arising from their devotions, thought proper to oppose force to force so as to prevent the profanation of the sacred mysteries; and one of them, seeing Mr Topcliffe obstinately bent on coming in, ran upon him and thrust him down the stairs, and in the struggle fell with him.

Protecting the sacred mysteries
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from Saint Polydore Plasden DVD

In the meantime Mr Plasden, having appointed the rest to keep the broken door, went to the altar and bid Mr Gennings go forward and finish the Mass. Then, seeing Mr Topcliffe hastening up with a broken head, to pacify him told him that he should come in presently, and they would all then give themselves up. This they did as soon as Mass was ended.

Beneath the gallows at Tyburn, on 10th December 1591, Mr Plasden's answers to Topcliffe's questions touching his loyalty to the queen drew the approval of many bystanders, and Sir Walter Raleigh would have saved him.

Saint Polydore Plasden at Tyburn Gallows
10th December 1591
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint Polydore Plasden' DVD

But the wily Topcliffe had the last word, the crowd yelled, "Traitor!", and the priest kissed the rope, saying he would not deny Christ for a thousand lives. Raleigh insisted that he should not be butchered before he was dead.

 

"I hate arrogance and pride and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue." - Prov. 8, 13.

 

Reading for 14th December

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

In 2010, Mary's Dowry Productions filmed key scenes from the lives of Saint Polydore Plasden, Saint Edmund Gennings and Saint Swithun Wells, three English Martyrs, to present each of their stories on DVD. These lesser known Martyrs have very beautiful and inspiring messages, for even in the midst of dangerous times in England, they expressed joy and love of God in all of their actions, especially as they stood in witness for the Catholic Faith before the London crowds.

Preparing to film scenes for Saint Polydore Plasden
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions

Each of these films are available on DVD through

www.marysdowryproductions.org

 

 

St. Polydore Plasden

At 28 years old St. Polydore Plasden loved Our Lord in the Eucharist.  This love he imparted to the people around him.  During a difficult time in English history, St. Polydore brought the joy of the Gospel to the Elizabethan people.  This film opens a window into Polydore's life showing how he loved his friends, loved God and spent himself in the service of others.  Moving, contemplative and inspiring with a haunting cello and atmospheric style this film shows how we too can imitate his simple yet deep faith. 

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 holy priest.

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

www.marysdowryproductions.org



"A Most Wicked Proceeding", Saint John Southworth, secular priest of Westminster, London, an English Martyr

A MOST WICKED PROCEEDING

Saint John Southworth - Secular priest

 

Saint John Southworth at Tyburn
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Southworth' DVD

Born of an old Lancashire family, John Southworth returned from Douay in 1619, and after eight years was arrested and condemned at Lancaster. He was, however, reprieved, and after three years in prison his sentence was commuted to banishment at the insistence of Queen Henrietta Maria. But he continued to work in London, and with such success that the curate of St Margaret's, Westminster, petitioned the Protestant archbishop of Canterbury against him (and Saint Henry Morse) as a "dangerous seducer," visiting the plague-stricken, the sick and dying, distributing alms, making many converts.

Saint John Southworth visits the Plague-Victims of 17th Century London
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Southworth' DVD

"Some of these poor people," the curate says, "frequent the Mass at Denmark House, and three of them watched all night with William Stiles till he died, and then went to Mass. A most wicked proceeding if it should not be remedied."

On this John Southworth was apprehended, but again released on the Queen's intervention. Some years later, under Oliver Cromwell, Mr Southworth was put on trial at the Old Bailey. The bench, seeing him a man of sixty-two, urged him to plead not guilty. He refused, for to him the denial of his priesthood would be the denial of his faith.

Saint John Southworth in prison
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Southworth' DVD

The recorder was in tears as he sentenced him. He was executed at Tyburn on 28 June 1654, eve of the feast of SS. Peter and Paul. His mangled body was taken to Douay for burial; in 1927 the relics were found, and are now enshrined in Westminster Cathedral.

Shrine of Saint John Southworth, Westminster Cathedral
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Saint John Southworth' DVD

 

"He stirreth up the people, teaching...". - Luke 23, 5.

 

Taken from

Mementoes of the Martyrs and Confessors of England and Wales

by Henry Sebastian Bowden of the Oratory

 

Saint John Southworth DVD: During an interesting period in England's history, when everything had changed and times were difficult, an added epidemic allowed for good people like St. John Southworth to show their missionary spirit among the people of Westminster.  His joyful, kindly character encouraged the people he met, as well as his friends, especially St. Henry Morse, with whom he travelled and worked.  His deeply spiritual example in the Commonwealth establishment even drew the attention of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector.  Centuries later, the unexpected discovery of his tomb, hidden in France, allowed for Westminster's Saint to return home.  His shrine draws prayerful visitors every day to Westminster Cathedral in London.  Medieval bells, chimes, voices and a tangible bass viola da gamba transport you back to 17th Century England in this atmospheric film. 

 

Saint John Southworth DVD
© 2014 Mary's Dowry Productions

 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 Saint.

Length and Format:

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

www.marysdowryproductions.org 

An Angel of Peace, Blessed Francisco Marto, Film

Blessed Francisco Marto DVD:

Blessed Francisco Marto was a young shepherd boy who lived in Portugal at the beginning of the 20th century. Along with his cousin Lucia and sister Jacinta, Blessed Francisco was visited by Our Lady in 1917 and received a message for the world. In this prayerful film we look at the journey of Blessed Francisco, the inspiring simplicity of his life and the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima and the Angel of Peace.

Blessed Francisco Marto
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Blessed Francisco Marto' DVD

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 inspiring Portuguese boy.
Length and Format:
The film runs for 30 minutes and is available on Region Free DVD worldwide.

www.marysdowryproductions.org

Blessed Francisco Marto
© 2010 Mary's Dowry Productions
Screenshot from 'Blessed Francisco Marto' DVD