1. Catholic Word of the Day: recusant
This word, which comes from the Latin recusare and means “to refuse,” was coined in the mid-16th century and originates in the persecution of Catholics in England just after Henry VIII. It refers to Catholics’ refusal of the Oath of Supremacy, which aligned one more with the English monarchy than the Pope..
2. “written by a traitor and addressed to traitors…”
…these words describe the pamphlet “Treatise of Schisme,” and was used as a pretense to hunt down, arrest and execute Catholics, including the author the work, Blessed William Carter, whose martyrdom our Church celebrates today.
3. Want to read more on Christian persecution in England?
The Authorbiography of a Hunted Priest by Fr. John Gerard, S.J. tells the story of one of the many priests who moved secretly throughout England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth to minister to the faithful under threat of torture and death. This is a powerful story of faith and courage in times of trial.
4. Hiding in a “priest hole”
One of the ways priests like Fr. John Gerard were able to avoid arrest was through the construction of “priest holes,” which can still be found in old homes in England today. Here is a great article describing them further!
If you’re worried about the faith in England, it is okay. There are signs of hope!
5. Cultivating Christian Community
Recently, a lot of attention has been paid to “The Benedict Option,” a book by journalist Rod Dreher that describes the need for Christians to band together in the face of growing cultural hostility to the Faith. This video is a response from Leah Libresco that provides the practical steps for Catholic families to do just that.