Blessed John Ingram: Priest and Martyr (1565-1594)
Afer studying for the priesthood in France, John Ingram of Stoke Edith, England, completed his studies in Rome, where he was ordained in 1589 at the age of twenty-four. Three years later, he arrived in Scotland, where he served for a year and a half before being captured by the Elizabethan authorities late in 1593. Thereafter he was transferred from one prison to another, finally being sent to the Tower of London, where he was ruthlessly tortured by command of the murderous government agent Richard Topcliffe. It was at this time that the sufferng priest managed to compose twenty Latin epigrams. In one, he tenderly addreses his mother, recalling when he last heard her voice, while assuring her that they will be able to “exchange words again” in heaven, “whither I hasten yet a youth, whither you will follow in old age.” In another epigram, he speaks of being imprisoned for having publicly praised the Blessed Virgin Mary. After stays in three more prisons, Father Ingram was condemned to death by drawing and quartering for being a priest. He was executed on July 26, 1594.
Posted by in 05:10:00
