Blessed John Ingram

Biography

Blessed John Ingram, also known as John Ingraham, was born in 1565 in Stoke Edith, Herefordshire, England. He was the son of Anthony Ingram of Wolford, Warwickshire, and Dorothy, the daughter of Sir John Hungerford. John received his education at Worcestershire and the New College, Oxford, where he excelled academically.

During his time at Oxford, John converted to Catholicism and, as a result, pursued further studies at the English College in Rheims, France. He continued his religious education at the Jesuit College in Pont-a-Mousson and later at the English College in Rome.

In 1589, John Ingram was ordained as a Catholic priest in Rome. He dedicated himself to missionary work and was appointed as a missioner to Scotland in early 1592. Supported by influential figures such as Lords Huntly, Angus, and Erroll, as well as the Abbot of Dumbries and Sir Walter Lindsay of Balgavies, John tirelessly worked to spread the Catholic faith in Scotland.

However, his missionary efforts came to an abrupt halt on 25 November 1593 when he was arrested on the Tyne River for his Catholic faith. John was imprisoned at Berwick, Durham, York, and eventually in the Tower of London. Despite enduring torture in the Tower, he bravely refused to disclose information about other Catholic individuals the authorities considered to be traitors.

Throughout his imprisonment, John ministered to and encouraged his fellow prisoners. Additionally, he managed to write 20 Latin epigrams that have survived to this day, a testament to his unwavering faith and intellectual abilities.

After being moved between various prisons, including those in York, Newcastle, and Durgan, John Ingram was eventually convicted, along with fellow Durham Martyrs Saint John Boste and Saint George Swallowell, for the "high crime" of priesthood. Although someone in Scotland offered a significant ransom of 1,000 crowns for his life, the English government declined the offer. As a result, John was executed on 26 July 1594 near Durham, England, being hanged, drawn, and quartered for his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith.

Blessed John Ingram is venerated as a martyr and is honored on several feast days. These include 26 July, the day of his execution; 29 October, as one of the Martyrs of Douai; and 1 December, as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.

His martyrdom was officially recognized on 8 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI, who issued a decree affirming his veneration as a martyr. Later, on 15 December 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice for his faith. His life and martyrdom stand as an inspiration to all those who seek to actively live out their religious beliefs, even in the face of persecution and adversity.