St. Edmund Campion
Feast day: December 1
One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, St. Edmund is known as “the pope’s champion.” Born in London, England, he was educated at Oxford University. Edmund went to Douai, France, and then to Rome where he entered the Society of Jesus. He worked for a time in Bohemia. Edmund was sent back to his native England during a time of great persecution for Catholic clergy during the Reformation. He secretly ministered there for a year until his capture and imprisonment in the Tower of London. When he refused to accept the religion established by Queen Elizabeth I, he was hanged, drawn and quartered. Edmund was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God,
who brought your Martyr blessed Edmund Campion
to overcome the torments of his (her) passion,
grant that we, who celebrate the day of his (her) triumph,
may remain invincible under your protection
against the snares of the enemy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
