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May 4 – Carthusian Martyrs of London
Vocation: Carthusian monks
Canonization: Pope Paul VI in 1970
“Do you not see that these blessed fathers be now as cheerfully going to their deaths as bridegrooms to their marriage?”
The Carthusian order was founded in 1054 by St. Bruno. They are known for their intense fasts, solitude, and discipline – as well as for the production of chartreuse. King Henry II had ordered the death of St. Thomas Beckett and established a Charterhouse there as an act of reparation. The community first went to London in 1371. They came to care for and pray for the victims of the bubonic plague that was ravaging Europe at the time.
At the start of the 16th century, this group was visited by a young Thomas More, who stayed for four years fasting, praying, and discerning his vocation. Then, Henry VIII had separated himself from Rome so that he could divorce his wife. He sent out a document to be signed by all swearing an oath to recognize Anne Boleyn as Henry’s lawful wife, and her children as their heirs. The Carthusians asked to be left alone, but ultimately signed the document, having been assured that it was a political issue and not one dealing with religious matters. Later, another document was circulated which contained an oath swearing that Henry was the “Supreme Head of the Church of England.” ….
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