Blessed Richard Bere

Biography

Blessed Richard Bere, also known as John Bere, was born in Glastonbury, England. He was the nephew of Richard Bere, who served as the abbot of Glastonbury. Richard received his education at the renowned Glastonbury Abbey school, where he developed a strong foundation in academic studies and spirituality.

After completing his education at Glastonbury, Richard pursued further studies at the University of Oxford. However, he faced a crucial decision when an arranged marriage was proposed to him. Richard, desiring a life dedicated to serving God, made the courageous choice to refuse the marriage and instead pursued a different path.

He left Oxford and embarked on a journey to London, where he began studying law at the Chancery. However, Richard's heart was not truly aligned with the legal profession, and he soon abandoned his legal studies.

In 1523, Richard decided to pursue a life of deeper spirituality and devotion. He joined the London Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery known for its strict contemplative practices and austere way of life. Richard took his vows and became a choir monk, dedicating himself to a life of prayer, silence, and solitary reflection.

During the tumultuous period of the English Reformation, King Henry VIII sought to assert his supremacy over the Church. In 1534, the Act of Supremacy demanded that all subjects acknowledge the King as the head of the Church in England. However, Richard and his Carthusian brothers remained unwavering in their loyalty to the Pope and the Catholic Church.

As a result, Richard, along with his fellow monks, steadfastly refused to take the Oath of Supremacy. This resolute defiance led to their imprisonment and eventual martyrdom. Richard, along with his brothers from the London Charterhouse, were subjected to cruel conditions and endured tremendous hardship in Newgate prison.

Tragically, Richard Bere, along with his companions, was starved to death on 9 August 1537 in Newgate prison, London. Their deaths were a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith and their refusal to compromise their Catholic beliefs.

After their deaths, the martyrdom of Richard Bere and his Carthusian brothers did not go unnoticed. Their steadfastness and sacrifice further fueled the fervor of Catholic resistance during the Reformation. They were beatified together on 20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII, who recognized their heroism and granted them the title of "Blessed" in the Catholic Church.

Today, Blessed Richard Bere is celebrated and remembered by the faithful on his feast day, which is observed on 9 August. Additionally, he is commemorated alongside his fellow Carthusian martyrs on 4 May and is also recognized as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University on 1 December.