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Feast Day: July 5
Death: July 1, 5
Blessed Richard Yaxley, also known as Richard Yaxley of Boston, was born around the year 1560 in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. Not much is known about his early life and family background. However, Richard's passion for learning led him to pursue his education at the prestigious University of Oxford in England.
After completing his studies at Oxford, Richard felt called to deepen his knowledge and dedication to the Catholic faith. He decided to join the Douai College in Rheims, France, where many English Catholic priests were trained during a time of intense persecution in their homeland. It was at Douai College that Richard's vocation to the priesthood was nurtured.
In 1586, Richard was ordained as a Catholic priest for the apostolic vicariate of England. Filled with zeal and a strong desire to serve the covert Catholics in his native land, he returned to England despite the risks and dangers involved. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, being a Catholic priest was considered an act of treason and was severely punished.
Blessed Richard Yaxley dedicated himself to ministering to the needs of covert Catholics, providing them with spiritual guidance and the sacraments in secret. He and his fellow priests operated under constant threat, as the authorities actively sought to discover and capture them. Despite the danger, Richard courageously continued his mission, striving to support and sustain the faith of his fellow Catholics.
However, Richard's work eventually caught the attention of the authorities, and he was arrested for the crime of being a Catholic priest. He was imprisoned in Oxford, where he endured harsh conditions and relentless interrogations aimed at extracting information about other priests and Catholics.
On July 5, 1589, Richard Yaxley was martyred for his unwavering faith and dedication to the Catholic Church. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. This brutal execution was a common punishment for those convicted of treason during the Elizabethan era.
Blessed Richard Yaxley is honored as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales, and his feast day is celebrated on November 22. Additionally, he is commemorated on October 29 as one of the Martyrs of Douai and on December 1 as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.
In recognition of his faith, sacrifice, and martyrdom, Richard Yaxley was venerated by the Catholic Church on November 10, 1986, when Pope John Paul II issued a decree of martyrdom. Subsequently, on November 22, 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, officially bestowing the title of Blessed upon him.
Blessed Richard Yaxley stands as a courageous example of religious conviction and commitment, inspiring countless believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution and adversity. His life and martyrdom continue to serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Catholic faith.