Blessed Roger James

Biography

Blessed Roger James was a devout Benedictine monk who served as the Sub-treasurer and sacristan in the esteemed Glastonbury Abbey during the 16th century. Born in England, his unwavering commitment to his faith and the Catholic Church would eventually lead him to become a martyr.

Blessed Roger James came to be recognized as the youngest Benedictine monk in Glastonbury Abbey, demonstrating exceptional devotion and piety from an early age. His dedication to his religious duties was widely respected within the monastery, and his role as the Sub-treasurer and sacristan involved caring for the sacred belongings and financial matters of the abbey.

During the tumultuous reign of King Henry VIII, the English Reformation threatened the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church in England. As a staunch Catholic, Blessed Roger James faced a challenging predicament when Henry VIII declared himself the head of the Church, breaking away from Rome. Refusing to acknowledge the King's authority and the religious changes brought forth by the Reformation, Blessed Roger James courageously stood firm in his allegiance to the Pope.

Due to his unwavering loyalty to the Catholic Church, Blessed Roger James was arrested for his refusal to accept Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England. The king saw such allegiance as an act of treason and a threat to his authority. Despite facing persecution and potential death, Blessed Roger James refused to renounce his faith and remained steadfast in his beliefs.

On 15th November 1539, at Tor Hill in Glastonbury, Somerset, England, Blessed Roger James suffered a gruesome martyrdom. He was dragged through the streets by horses, a cruel method of execution used during that time, and subsequently hanged, drawn, and quartered. This brutal end exemplified the extent to which the government sought to suppress Catholic resistance during the Reformation.

Blessed Roger James's unwavering commitment to his faith and his sacrifice in the face of persecution earned him recognition as a martyr. Pope Leo XIII beatified him on 13th May 1895, acknowledging his martyrdom and the sanctity of his life. Although little is known about any specific representations or miracles attributed to him, the faithful commemorate his feast day on 15th November each year, honoring his sacrifice and devout Catholic witness.

Blessed Roger James's life stands as a testament to the strength of his convictions and the persecution faced by Catholics during the Reformation era. His martyrdom serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals who refused to waver in their allegiance to the Catholic Church, even in the face of severe consequences.