Saint John Boste

Biography

Saint John Boste, also known as John Boast, was born around 1544 in Dufton, Westmoreland, England. He received his education at Queen's College, Oxford, England, where he became a fellow. However, after his studies, he underwent a significant religious conversion and converted to Catholicism in 1576 at Brome, Suffolk, England. Following his conversion, John Boste made the decision to resign his position at Oxford and pursued further studies in Rheims, France, in 1580. It was there that he was ordained as a priest on 4 March 1581. In April of the same year, he returned to England as a missioner to the northern counties. To evade persecution and carry out his missionary work more effectively, he often disguised himself as a servant in the livery costume of Lord Montacute. During his mission, Saint John Boste received assistance from Blessed John Speed. Together, they tirelessly worked to serve the Catholic community in England. However, their activities drew the attention of the authorities, leading to an intense manhunt. Ultimately, John Boste was betrayed by Francis Ecclesfield near Durham, England, on 5 July 1593. He was arrested and sent to the Tower of London, where he endured torture on the rack, leaving him crippled. In July 1594, Saint John Boste was sent to Durham to stand trial for the crime of being a priest. Despite the risks involved, he remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce Catholicism. As a result, he was sentenced to death. On 24 July 1594, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Dryburn near Durham, England. Saint John Boste was recognized for his courage and faithfulness to his vocation, and his martyrdom earned him a place among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He is venerated on 24 July and 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs, and on 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Additionally, he is remembered on 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. In recognition of his martyrdom, Saint John Boste was venerated on 8 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI, who issued a decree of martyrdom. On 15 December 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him, and he was finally canonized on 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI. Saint John Boste's life and sacrifice serve as an inspiring example of unwavering dedication to one's faith and the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel.