IN MEMORIAM TO THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS SAINT OF THE DAY THOMAS ATKINSON – REFORMATION MARTYR 11th MARCH 1616
IN MEMORIAM TO THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS SAINT OF THE DAY THOMAS ATKINSON – PRIEST REFORMATION MARTYR 11th MARCH 1616 Modern-day martyr in the Middle East, (Image from Aid to the Church in Need). The Martyrs Painting, by Alberti, in the English College in Rome. This reflection is taken from Aleteia, by Brother Silas Henderson SDS: Father Atkinson came from the East Riding in Yorkshire. After being ordained as a priest in Rheims, he returned to England to minister to the oppressed Catholics of England in 1588. Known for his care for the poor, he would walk from village to village, until a broken leg forced him to ride a horse. At the age of 70, he was betrayed and taken to York. At his arrest, he was found with a rosary and a written grant of indulgence, items which were used as evidence to convict him. He was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and...