Saint John Boste, born in 1544 in Westmorland, England, lived during a time of intense persecution against Catholics in England under Queen Elizabeth I. He was raised in a devout Catholic family and received a strong religious education before studying law at Queen’s College, Oxford. However, influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church, John converted to Catholicism and went to France to become a priest.
Returning to England as a missionary, John Boste ministered to Catholics in hiding, celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments in secret due to the harsh penalties for practicing the Catholic faith openly. Despite the constant danger of arrest and execution, he continued his pastoral work, moving from place to place to avoid capture.
In 1593, after twelve years of evading capture, John Boste was betrayed by an apostate Catholic and arrested in northern England. He was brutally tortured to extract information about other Catholics and refused to renounce his faith. His steadfastness and courage during his trial and imprisonment earned him admiration even from his persecutors.
On July 24, 1594, Saint John Boste was executed by hanging in Durham. His final words were a prayer for the Queen and his countrymen, demonstrating his love for both his faith and his homeland.
Lessons:
Lesson 1: Faithfulness in Persecution: Saint John Boste’s steadfast commitment to his Catholic faith in the face of persecution teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and His Church, even amidst adversity. His example challenges us to persevere in our faith and to stand firm in our convictions, regardless of the obstacles we may face.
Lesson 2: Courageous Witness: John Boste’s courageous witness as a missionary and martyr inspires us to boldly live out our faith and to bear witness to Christ’s love and truth in our daily lives. His willingness to endure suffering and death for the sake of the Gospel serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by early Catholics to preserve and spread the faith.
Prayer to Saint John Boste:
O God, who adorned Saint John Boste with the grace of constancy in martyrdom and gave him the palm of eternal life, graciously grant that, strengthened by his example and prayers, we may be faithful in following You and in professing our faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Charbel Makhlouf (1898), Priest, hermit
Vigil of St. James the Greater (42), Apostle, Patron of Spain
St. Christina of Bolsena (307), Virgin, Martyr, Patron of millers and archers
St. Christina the Admirable or “the Astonishing” (1224), Virgin
Blessed Cunegard (1292), Virgin, Queen, Abbess, Patron of Poland and Lithuania
