Blessed William Eynon

Biography

Blessed William Eynon, also known as John Eynon or John Oynon, was an English Benedictine monk and priest at Saint Giles in Reading, England. He was born in England and dedicated his life to his religious vocation.

During the tumultuous period of the Protestant Reformation, when the Church of England separated from the authority of the Pope, Blessed William Eynon remained steadfast in his Catholic faith. Despite increasing pressure from non-Catholic authorities, he staunchly refused to surrender his parish to them.

As a result of his unwavering commitment to his Catholic principles, Blessed William Eynon became a target of persecution. He was eventually arrested and accused of refusing to conform to the newly established Protestant regime.

Blessed William Eynon's refusal to renounce his Catholic faith led to his martyrdom. On the fifteenth of November in 1539, he was hanged at the entrance of the abbey in Reading, Berkshire, England. His execution served as a chilling example to those who dared to oppose the religious changes imposed by the ruling authorities.

Recognizing his martyrdom, Pope Leo XIII beatified Blessed William Eynon on the thirteenth of May in 1895. This act confirmed the cultus, or public veneration, of the Blessed William Eynon in the Catholic Church.

Although the records do not provide specific details about any traditional representations or symbols associated with Blessed William Eynon, his steadfastness in the face of persecution and his martyrdom make him a powerful example of faith and dedication to the Catholic Church.

His feast day is celebrated on the fifteenth of November, commemorating the day of his execution. Blessed William Eynon's life and martyrdom remind us of the courage and sacrifice exhibited by many devout Catholics during a challenging period in English history.