Blessed John Felton

Blessed John Felton, a wealthy layman of Southwark, England, was born in Bermondsey, Southwark, a district in the southern part of London. Not much is known about his early life, except that he belonged to a family of some means and was the father of Blessed Thomas Felton. His wife had previously served as a playmate and maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth and was the widow of an auditor of the former Queen.

In the year 1570, a significant event occurred that would forever change the course of John Felton's life. On May 24th, Pope Saint Pius V's Bull arrived in London, excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I due to her separation from the Catholic Church. Filled with deep loyalty and devotion, John decided to take a bold and daring action. Under cover of darkness, he affixed a copy of the Papal Bull to the door of the bishop of London's residence. This act was meant to challenge the bishop to declare his allegiance - whether to the Queen or the Pope.

However, his brave act did not go unnoticed or unpunished. John Felton was arrested on May 26th, 1570, and subsequently imprisoned in the notorious Tower of London. During his time in captivity, he endured various forms of torture and hardship, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and unwavering in his loyalty to the Catholic Church.

On August 4th, 1570, John Felton was condemned to death for his unwavering commitment to the Holy See. He was subjected to the brutal execution method of hanging, drawing, and quartering. This martyrdom, intended to serve as a warning to those who dared to challenge the supremacy of the English throne, only further solidified John Felton's place among the revered martyrs of England.

Blessed John Felton's martyrdom was recognized and celebrated by the Catholic Church, and his feast day was set on August 8th. His cause for beatification was officially advanced, and he was ultimately beatified by Pope Leo XIII on December 29th, 1886. Today, Blessed John Felton is venerated as a shining example of faithfulness and courage in the face of persecution.

While limited information is available regarding John Felton's physical appearance, he was described as "a man of little stature and complexion black." This characterization is a testament to the challenges and prejudices he may have encountered due to his physical appearance, especially during a time when racial biases were prevalent, even within the Catholic community.

Blessed John Felton's story stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Catholic faithful during a period of religious upheaval and persecution in England. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his willingness to challenge the authority of the state in favor of his allegiance to the Pope serves as an inspiration for believers throughout history. Catholics continue to honor his memory and seek his intercession, recognizing him as a courageous martyr who gave his life for God and the Church.