Saint Philip Evans

Biography

Saint Philip Evans, also known as Philip Evans, was born in 1645 in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales. He received his education at the college of Saint Omer, where he acquired a strong foundation in academics. Besides his scholarly pursuits, he had a talent for music and was adept at playing the harp. Additionally, he enjoyed playing tennis as a form of recreation. In 1665, at the age of 20, Philip Evans made the decision to dedicate his life to the service of God as a Jesuit. On 7 September of the same year, he entered the Society of Jesus and began his formation as a Jesuit. After completing his formation, Philip was ordained as a priest at Liege, Belgium. Following his ordination, he was assigned to southern Wales in 1675, where he ministered to covert Catholics during a time of increased persecution. Sadly, Philip's efforts to spread the Catholic faith and provide pastoral care did not go unnoticed. On 4 December 1678, he was arrested at the house of Christopher Turberville in Sker, Glamorganshire. This arrest took place amidst the heightened persecutions that followed the infamous Titus Oates Plot. Refusing to renounce his priesthood and take the Oath of Supremacy, Philip was subsequently imprisoned in Cardiff Castle. During his time in prison, Philip spent his days alongside another saintly martyr named Saint John Lloyd. They supported and encouraged each other in their unwavering faith and commitment to serve God, even in the face of great adversity. On 5 May 1679, Philip Evans was condemned for the "crime" of being a priest in Cardiff. Despite the unjust nature of this condemnation, Philip remained resolute in his faith and steadfastly refused to compromise. As a result, he was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, a brutal form of execution. The execution of Saint Philip Evans took place on 22 July 1679 on Gallows Field in Cardiff, Wales. He met his martyrdom with courage, accepting his fate as a testament to his love for God and his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church. Recognizing the remarkable virtue and sacrifice of Saint Philip Evans, Pope Pius XI declared him venerable on 8 December 1929, through a decree of martyrdom. Just a week later, on 15 December 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him, acknowledging his exemplary life and martyrdom. Finally, on 25 October 1970, Pope Paul VI canonized Saint Philip Evans along with the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. This gesture honored the enduring legacy of Philip and his fellow martyrs, illustrating their courage, faithfulness, and dedication to their beliefs. While Saint Philip Evans doesn't have a specific patronage associated with him, he remains an inspiring figure and serves as a role model for all who face persecution or struggle to uphold their faith in challenging times.