Gospel in Art: Saint John Southworth Priest and Martyr

The Relics of Saint John Southworth, Westminster Cathedral, June 25, 2017 © Photo by Fr Lawrence (Paul) Lew, OP via Flikr

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 27 June 2024
Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples: 'It is not those who say to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. When the day comes many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?" Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, you evil men!

'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'

Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and his teaching made a deep impression on the people because he taught them with authority, and not like their own scribes.

Reflection on the Relics

Saint John Southworth was an English Catholic priest and martyr, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to his faith during a time of intense anti-Catholic persecution in England. Born in Lancashire in 1592, Southworth was ordained a priest in Douai, France, in 1618. He returned to England to minister secretly to the Catholic community, risking his life in a country where Catholicism was outlawed and priests were hunted.

Southworth's ministry was marked by his compassion and dedication, particularly towards the poor and the sick. He worked tirelessly in London, even during the plague, providing spiritual and physical care to those in need. His efforts did not go unnoticed by the authorities, however. He was arrested and imprisoned for his priesthood but was later released. Despite the danger, he continued his ministry. In 1654, Southworth was arrested once more and tried at the Old Bailey. Unwavering in his faith, at the trial he openly declared himself a Catholic priest. This admission sealed his fate. He was condemned to death and executed at Tyburn on 27 June 1654. His body was later taken to Douai but was returned to England in the 20th century. Today, his remains rest in Westminster Cathedral.

Each year at the end of June, around the time of priestly ordinations for the Diocese of Westminster, the relics of Saint John Southworth are displayed at the centre of Westminster Cathedral in London (as shown in our photograph). This solemn and poignant tradition serves as a powerful reminder to those about to be ordained of the true essence and profound responsibilities of the priesthood. It also highlights martyrdom as the ultimate witness to faith. Ordinands are reminded that their vocation may call them to endure hardships and even persecution, but their steadfastness will bear witness to the strength and truth of their faith.

In 1929 John Southworth was beatified and his major relics were sent to St Edmund's College, Ware, successor of the English College in Douai, before being transferred to Westminster Cathedral in 1930. St John Southworth was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 along with the other Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, the names of whom adorn the ceiling in the Chapel of St George and the English Saints in Westminster Cathedral, where the body of St John is enshrined.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-7-21-29-2024/