Saint Cuthbert Mayne

Biography

Saint Cuthbert Mayne, also known as Saint Cuthbert of Cornwall, was born in 1544 in Youlston, Devonshire, England. His early life was marked by Protestant influences, as he was raised by his uncle, who was a schismatic priest. However, despite this upbringing, Cuthbert Mayne's spiritual journey would eventually lead him to a profound conversion and a life of sacrifice for his Catholic faith. At the age of 19, Cuthbert Mayne was ordained as an Anglican minister. During his studies at Saint John's College, Oxford, he developed a friendship with another renowned Catholic convert, Saint Edmund Campion. Through their interactions, Cuthbert Mayne's curiosity about Catholicism grew, prompting him to examine his own beliefs further. In 1570, Cuthbert Mayne made the momentous decision to convert to Catholicism. This decision had profound consequences, as it was during a time of intense religious persecution in England. Upon his conversion, he traveled to Douai, France, becoming the first Englishman to study at the English College there. Throughout his time at Douai, Cuthbert Mayne deepened his knowledge of theology and received ordination as a Catholic priest. In 1575, Cuthbert Mayne, along with Saint John Payne, returned to England with a mission to minister to covert Catholics in Cornwall. Their work was carried out discreetly, as practicing Catholicism was forbidden under the laws of the time. Nevertheless, Cuthbert Mayne and his companions stayed committed to their faith and the needs of the faithful, providing pastoral care and celebrating Mass in secret. Sadly, Cuthbert Mayne's mission would ultimately come to an abrupt and tragic end. In 1576, he was arrested and charged with the crime of being a Catholic priest. Following a sham trial, he was condemned and sentenced to death. On November 30, 1577, Cuthbert Mayne was hanged, drawn, and quartered, becoming a martyr for his unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church. Saint Cuthbert Mayne is honored as the proto-martyr of English seminaries. His memory is celebrated on various feast days: November 30, October 25 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, October 29 as one of the Martyrs of Douai, and December 1 as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. The relics of Saint Cuthbert Mayne are preserved at the Carmelite convent in Lanherne, Cornwall, England, where they are venerated by the faithful. His beatification took place on December 29, 1886, by Pope Leo XIII, who confirmed his cultus, and he was later canonized by Pope Paul VI through a decree of martyrdom on May 4, 1970. While Saint Cuthbert Mayne does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his courageous example of fidelity to his beliefs and his ultimate sacrifice make him a source of inspiration for all Catholics facing persecution, as well as for those engaged in ecumenical dialogue and efforts towards religious freedom.