Bl. John Hambley

John Hambley was an English Protestant in his early twenties when a friend lent him a Catholic book entitled, The Reasons why Catholics should refuse to attend the Churches of the Heretics. The book led John to embrace the Catholic faith and to journey overseas to become a priest. After returning to England, Father Hambley was arrested in 1586 while on his way to a wedding, traveling with the betrothed couple. Upon being condemned to death for his priesthood, Father Hambley lost his courage and agreed to “conform” to the Protestant religion. After obtaining his freedom, he returned to the Catholic faith. But upon being captured a second time, he secured his release by betraying the names of other Catholics to the authorities. In 1587, he was arrested once more. At his trial, he seemed on the point of “conforming” again when a stranger gave him a letter. Upon reading it, the priest wept. Although Father Hambley refused to divulge the letter’s contents, he thereafter became steadfast in professing the Catholic faith, expressing deep remorse for his inconstancy, and bravely endured death by drawing and quartering.