Blessed William Scott

Biography

Blessed William Scott, also known as Brother Maurus, was born in Chigwell, Essex, England. He was educated at Cambridge University, where he studied law before undergoing a profound conversion to Catholicism in adulthood. It was through the influence of Blessed John Roberts that William Scott embraced the Catholic faith and dedicated his life to serving God.

Seeking to deepen his spiritual journey, William Scott traveled to Saint Facundus Benedictine Abbey in Sahagun, Spain, where he entered the Benedictine order and took on the religious name Maurus. He pursued his studies and was ordained a priest, receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Motivated by a deep desire to minister to covert Catholics in his homeland, Father Maurus returned to England. However, in a time of strict anti-Catholic persecution under the reign of King James I, his mission was fraught with danger. On his initial return to England, he was discovered and imprisoned for a year before being forced into exile.

Undeterred by the threats and challenges he faced, Father Maurus returned to England once more to continue his ministry to those suffering in silence. However, he was once again captured and imprisoned, enduring the hardships and torments of imprisonment before being exiled a second time.

Filled with a profound love for God and the people he served, Father Maurus persisted in his mission, returning to England for a third time. Unfortunately, his unyielding dedication to his Catholic faith and his unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Christ led to his capture once more.

In the final moments of his life, Father Maurus endured great suffering and martyrdom. On May 30, 1612, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn in London, England. His courageous and steadfast witness to the Catholic faith in the face of persecution earned him the status of martyr.

Blessed William Scott, also known as Brother Maurus, was venerated by the Catholic Church on December 8, 1929, when Pope Pius XI issued a decree of martyrdom in his honor. Just one week later, on December 15, 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him, recognizing his holiness and his ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his faith.

Blessed William Scott, or Brother Maurus, remains an inspiring figure in the history of the Catholic Church in England. His life and martyrdom serve as a testament to the enduring faith and unwavering commitment of those who sacrificed their lives during a time of persecution, boldly standing up for their beliefs and spreading the message of Christ. Today, he is remembered and celebrated on his feast day, May 30th, as a courageous and faithful servant of God.