By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Dec 2, 2024 / 17:45 pm
Marking an important day for the English seminary in Rome, Dec. 1 commemorates the martyrdom of 44 priests who were former students of the school. These priests were killed during the English Reformation after returning to England to serve the persecuted Catholics.
Founded during the dark days of the 16th century English Reformation, the Venerable English College was established in Rome to educate young English Catholic men aspiring to priesthood.
Today, the seminary continues its legacy of educating English men seeking priesthood. In 2024, the college shifted its commemoration of “Martyrs’ Day” to Dec. 2 due to the first Sunday of Advent falling on Dec. 1.
Reflecting on the historical context, Father Christopher Warren, vice rector of the Venerable English College, shared with Bénédicte Cedergren of EWTN News, “The situation in England was grave for Catholics during the Protestant Reformation. For priests and those supporting them, celebrating Mass was a matter of life and death.”
The Venerable English College in Rome has a rich history of courageous young priests who risked their lives to serve in secret in England and Wales. Despite facing constant dangers of betrayal, arrest, and execution, these priests remained steadfast in their faith.
Over the course of 100 years, 44 students from the college were martyred, enduring torture and the gruesome fate of being hanged, drawn, and quartered. One of the most significant martyrs for the seminary is St. Ralph Sherwin, who was among the first students and martyrs.
Father Stephen Wang, the rector of the Venerable English College, shared the inspiring story of St. Ralph Sherwin, highlighting his journey from an ‘establishment figure’ in England to a devout Catholic priest dedicated to sharing his faith. Sherwin’s mission, along with his companions, was to spread the Catholic faith in England and Wales.
The college has a tradition of gathering around the “Martyrs’ Picture” in the chapel to sing the Te Deum in thanksgiving whenever news of a former student’s martyrdom reached Rome. This custom is carried on during Martyrs’ Day, where students venerate the relics of the martyrs beneath the altar.
Morning prayers, Mass, and evening prayer services are also part of the daily routine at the college, with a special service of veneration held in the evening to honor the martyrs and recount their sacrifices. The legacy of these brave priests lives on in the hearts of the students at the Venerable English College.
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