John Bradburne's 45th anniversary

John Bradburne

Today, on the 45th anniversary of John Bradburne's death, we remember a man who dedicated his life to serving others with extraordinary humility and love. John Bradburne, a British layman, missionary, and poet, chose to live among the people living with leprosy at Mutemwa in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where he became a beacon of hope and compassion. His life was marked by a profound spirituality, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human being, especially those who were cast aside by society.

John's selfless service and his willingness to embrace his own suffering for the sake of others continue to inspire people around the world today. His legacy reminds us of the power of love and compassion in the face of hardship and the importance of seeing Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters.

As we commemorate his passing, let us also pray for his beatification, which is well underway, he has been declared 'Servant of God' at present. John said: "Pray on for my sanctification because it would encourage so many souls if such a wreckage might come to canonisation", a humble acknowledgment of his own flaws and struggles. Yet, through this "wreckage," God's grace shone brightly, offering us all a model of what it means to live a life of love and service.

Please join us in praying for the beatification of John Bradburne, that his example may continue to inspire generations to come. May we, like John, find the courage to embrace our own brokenness and offer it to God, trusting that He can work wonders through even the most imperfect vessels.

Prayer for the Beatification of John Bradburne

Commemorating his Martyrdom on September 5th, 1979

O God,
You are the source of all holiness,
who raise up in every age men and women
of heroic virtue to serve your Church and your people.
We thank you for the life and witness of your servant John Bradburne,
who gave his life in love and service to those people living with leprosy at Mutemwa,
imitating the sacrificial love of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

On this day, we remember with reverence
the martyrdom of John Bradburne,
who was unjustly taken from this world on September 5th, 1979,
yet whose life and death proclaim the triumph of love over hatred,
faith over fear, and light over darkness.

Lord, we humbly ask that if it be Your will,
You may glorify Your servant John,
by granting him the honour of beatification,
so that his example may shine more brightly in Your Church.
May his witness inspire us to serve the marginalised,
to seek justice, and to walk in the path of holiness,
even unto the giving of our lives.

Through his intercession,
grant us the grace to live with courage and compassion,
to be faithful to Your call,
and to bear witness to Your love in all that we do.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

LINK

John Bradburne Memorial Society: www.johnbradburne.com