July 19

1637-1679

One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He was born at Dimples, Lancashire, England, the son of a Royalist Catholic. Educated at Valladolid, Spain, and St. Omer's in France. He was ordained in Segovia in 1662. John returned to England after ordination and served as a missionary in Cheshire. He became a tutor at Puddington Hall near Chester until his arrest and martyrdom by hanging at Barrowshill, Boughton. near Chester. Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970.


Oh God, in whom there is no change or shadow of alteration, you gave courage to the English Martyr, John Plessington. Grant unto us, we beseech you, through his intercession, the grace to always value the Holy Mass. May we be strengthened to serve you in imitation of the courageous heart of John Plessington and all the English Martyrs. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever. Amen.

St. John Plessington, pray for us!