Blessed Philip Powel

Biography

Blessed Philip Powel, also known as Philip Morgan, Philip Powell, or Philip Prosser, was born on 2 February 1594 in Tralon, Brecknockshire, England. He was the son of Roger and Catherine Powel. After completing his studies in law in London, England, Philip decided to pursue a religious vocation.

In 1618, Philip entered the seminary in Douai, France, and joined the Benedictine order at the monastery now known as Downside Abbey in Bath, England. He was ordained a priest in Douai in the same year and returned to England in 1622 to fulfill his mission of ministering to covert and oppressed Catholics during a time of religious persecution.

Father Philip bravely worked in the area of Leighland, Somersetshire, where he faced the constant threat of priest hunters. To avoid detection, he sometimes used the aliases of Morgan or Prosser. This allowed him to continue his mission and provide spiritual guidance and sacraments to the Catholic faithful.

When the English Civil War broke out in 1645, Father Philip relocated to Devonshire for safety. During this time, he served as a chaplain to Catholic soldiers in Cornwall for six months, providing spiritual consolation to those who needed it during the tumultuous period of conflict.

However, on 22 February 1646, while sailing to South Wales, Father Philip's ship was captured, and he was recognized and arrested for the crime of being a Catholic priest. He was imprisoned in harsh conditions in London, where he developed pleurisy, a painful condition affecting the lungs.

On 9 June 1646, Father Philip was tried and condemned for the sole reason of being a priest. Despite his innocence, he was sentenced to death. He suffered the fate of being hanged, drawn, and quartered on 30 June 1646 at Tyburn, London, England.

Following his martyrdom, Father Philip's remains were buried in the old churchyard at Moorfields, London. Some relics, including a crucifix that was in his possession at the time of his death, are now enshrined at Downside Abbey in Bath, England.

In recognition of his martyrdom and dedication to the Catholic faith, Blessed Philip Powel was venerated by Pope Pius XI on 8 December 1929, who declared him a martyr. Later on 15 December 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him, acknowledging his virtuous life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith.