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Feast Day: June 15
Death: June 1, 15
Blessed Thomas Scryven, also known as Thomas Scriven, was a devout Carthusian choir monk of the Charterhouse in London, England. Little is known about his early life, including details of his birth and background. However, his spiritual journey led him to the sacred walls of the Charterhouse, where he dedicated his life to prayer, contemplation, and service to God.
During the tumultuous times of the English Reformation, when King Henry VIII sought to break away from the authority of the Catholic Church, Blessed Thomas Scryven became a staunch defender of his faith. He courageously refused to accept Henry VIII as the head of the Church, recognizing and remaining loyal to the Pope as the rightful authority.
This unwavering fidelity to the Pope and the Catholic Church ultimately led to his martyrdom. On the 15th of June 1537, Blessed Thomas Scryven died a slow and agonizing death by starvation in Newgate Prison, London, England. He willingly embraced this suffering, refusing to renounce his beliefs and betray his Catholic faith.
The martyrdom of Blessed Thomas Scryven, along with many other courageous Carthusian monks, is a testament to their steadfast commitment to the Church and their unwavering loyalty to the Pope. Their refusal to compromise their principles, even in the face of extreme persecution, is a source of inspiration and admiration for Catholics around the world.
The heroic sacrifice of Blessed Thomas Scryven did not go unnoticed, and his sanctity was recognized centuries later. On the 29th of December 1886, Pope Leo XIII beatified him, acknowledging his martyrdom and elevating him to the rank of "Blessed." His feast day is commemorated on the 15th of June, in remembrance of his martyrdom, and also on the 4th of May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs.
Blessed Thomas Scryven's life serves as a shining example of unwavering faith, steadfast devotion, and unyielding commitment to the Catholic Church. His martyrdom reminds us of the sacrifices that have been made throughout history to uphold the truth and preserve the essence of our faith. May his intercession guide and inspire all those who encounter difficulties in their own spiritual journeys.