Born in England around 1556, not much is known about George Haydock’s early life. He received a higher education at the English Colleges in France and Rome, which were seminaries for Englishmen who were displaced by the anti-Catholic English government. He was ordained a priest in 1581 and immediately returned home to England in secret to minister to Catholic converts during the persecutions of Queen Elizabeth. Shortly after arriving, he visited an old friend. Fr. Haydock didn’t know his friend had left the Catholic faith, and his friend reported him to priest hunters who arrested him. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for two years, then along with four other convicted priests he was hung and dismembered alive.
CHALLENGE
England’s Religion Act of 1580 made it illegal to celebrate or attend a Catholic Mass and made it a felony to know a Catholic and not report them to authorities. Never take the celebration of the Mass for granted. Remember the great gift of the Mass every time you go. Today, say thank you to a priest for his vocation and pray a Rosary for him.
A print copy of The Saint Challenge is a must for every Catholic’s personal library. Buy your copy today!
