Blessed Joseph Lambton

Biography

Blessed Joseph Lambton, also known as Joseph Lambton or Joseph Lampton, was born in 1568 in Malton, North Yorkshire, England. He was the second son of Thomas Lambton of Malton-in-Rydall and Katharine, the daughter of Robert Birkhead of West Brandon, Durham.

Joseph's passion for the Catholic faith led him to pursue his studies at the English College in Reims, France, beginning in 1584. He then continued his theological education at the English College in Rome, Italy, starting in 1589. After completing his studies, Joseph was ordained as a priest in 1591.

In the midst of the persecutions against Catholics under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England, Joseph, along with his fellow priest Blessed Edward Waterson, returned to their homeland on 22 April 1592. Their mission was to minister to covert Catholics who were practicing their faith secretly.

However, their efforts did not go unnoticed, and they were swiftly arrested shortly after their arrival. Both Joseph Lambton and Edward Waterson were imprisoned and accused of the crime of being priests.

On 24 July 1592, in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England, Blessed Joseph Lambton was sentenced to a gruesome execution known as being "hanged, drawn, and quartered." This brutal method involved hanging the victim until nearly dead, then disemboweling them while still alive, and ultimately dividing their body into quarters.

Blessed Joseph Lambton is commemorated on several feast days. He is honored on 24 July, the day of his martyrdom, and on 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Additionally, he is remembered on 22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales.

Joseph Lambton's courageous witness to the Catholic faith and his martyrdom were officially acknowledged by the Catholic Church on 10 November 1986 when Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, signifying that he had lived a life of heroic virtue. A year later, on 22 November 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified Blessed Joseph Lambton, raising him to the rank of beatified, thereby giving him the title of Blessed and officially recognizing his martyrdom and intercessory power.

Blessed Joseph Lambton's life serves as an inspiration to all Catholics, reminding us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals throughout history to uphold their faith in the face of persecution. His example encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to fervently live out our faith, even in challenging circumstances.