Blessed John Beche

Biography

Blessed John Beche, also known as Thomas Marshall, was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the tumultuous times of the English Reformation. Born in England, little is known about his early life. However, it is recorded that he acquired great scholastic accomplishments, becoming a Doctor of Divinity from Oxford in 1515.

He entered religious life and joined the Benedictine Order, eventually rising to the position of Abbot. He served as the Abbot of Saint Werburgh abbey in Chester, England, and later became the Abbot of Saint John's abbey in Colchester on 10 June 1530. Throughout his tenure as an abbot, he demonstrated a deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of his community and the wider Church.

Blessed John Beche was known to have been a close friend and confidante of two renowned figures in Catholic history, Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More. Like his friends, he initially opposed King Henry VIII's assertion of supremacy in spiritual matters, as it clashed with the authority of the Church. However, on 7 July 1534, under pressure and likely in fear for the safety of himself and his monks, Blessed John Beche and sixteen others took the Oath of Supremacy, recognizing the king's purported authority.

Despite his compliance, when King Henry VIII dissolved his abbey in November 1538, Blessed John Beche refused to acknowledge the king's right to do so and defied his orders of surrender. In an act of bold resistance, he adamantly refused to hand over the keys of the abbey. This courageous act further strengthened his resolve to defend the supremacy of the Church in spiritual matters and the right of the Church to manage its own affairs.

However, his unwavering fidelity to the Catholic faith led to his arrest on charges of treason. Blessed John Beche was imprisoned in the notorious Tower of London. Eventually released, he was soon re-arrested and brought to trial in Colchester in November 1539. At the trial, he fearlessly upheld the Church's authority and its rightful jurisdiction in spiritual affairs. Despite his impassioned defense, he was unjustly convicted of treason and condemned to death.

On 1 December 1539, Blessed John Beche faced a brutal fate, being hanged, drawn, and quartered in Colchester, England. His martyrdom was a testament to his unwavering faith and his refusal to compromise his deeply held religious convictions.

In recognition of his heroic witness and sacrifice, Blessed John Beche was beatified on 13 May 1895 by Pope Leo XIII, with his cultus, or public veneration, confirmed. Today, he is venerated in the dioceses of Westminster and Brentwood, as well as by the English Benedictines. His feast day is celebrated on 1 December, commemorating the day of his martyrdom.

Blessed John Beche remains an inspiring figure, reminding us of the courage and fortitude required to defend the truths of the Catholic faith, even in the face of extreme persecution. His commitment to the Church's autonomy and his unwavering fidelity to the spiritual legacy entrusted to her serve as a timeless example for all Catholics.