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Feast Day: July 7
Death: July 1, 7
Blessed Ralph Milner, also known as Randolph, Ranulphe, Raoul, and Rodolfo, was a devout and pious farmer who lived in 16th century England. He was born in Slackstead, Hampshire, England, but little is known about his early life and family background. Despite his lack of formal education, Ralph possessed a deep faith and a strong commitment to God.
Ralph was raised as an Anglican, the predominant religion in England at the time. However, he underwent a profound conversion experience and embraced Catholicism, a decision that would ultimately cost him his life. His conversion led him to the Catholic faith, which was fiercely persecuted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
On the day of his First Communion, Ralph was arrested for the "crime" of converting to Catholicism. However, even in the face of persecution, he demonstrated remarkable courage and faith. Ralph's time in prison was marked by his exemplary behavior, so much so that the jailers entrusted him with keys to leave the prison and work during the day, returning at night to serve his sentence.
Ralph seized this opportunity to support and minister to his fellow Catholic prisoners. Among those he earnestly sought to assist were priests persecuted for their refusal to renounce their faith. He went to great lengths to secure the presence of priests in the jail, including Blessed Roger Dickenson, and facilitated their ministry to the Catholic inmates.
Eventually, Ralph and Father Roger were arrested together for the offenses of aiding a priest, attending Mass, and assisting fellow Catholics during the religious persecution under Queen Elizabeth I's reign. They were given a chance at pardon if they renounced their Catholic faith and attended Protestant services, yet Ralph resolutely refused to betray his beliefs.
In a desperate attempt to change his mind, Ralph's captors brought his eight children to the jail, hoping that witnessing the anguish of their father would prompt him to recant. Instead, Ralph embraced his children and bestowed upon them his fatherly blessing, resolutely continuing his preparation for execution.
On July 7, 1591, Ralph Milner was hanged in Winchester, Hampshire, England, for his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith. His martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Catholics during a tumultuous period in English history. Pope Pius XI later recognized his heroic virtue and the sacrifice he made for his faith, and on December 8, 1929, declared him Blessed Ralph Milner.
Although there is no specific representation attributed to Blessed Ralph Milner, his unwavering faith, courage, and dedication to his fellow Catholics make him an inspiring model for all believers. His feast day is celebrated on July 7th in remembrance of his martyrdom.