| 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:
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