March 22, 2003
St. Nicholas Owen
(d. 1606)
Nicholas, familiarly known as "Little John," was small in stature but big in the
esteem of his fellow Jesuits.
LIFE:
Born at Oxford, this humble artisan saved the lives of many priests and
laypersons in England during the penal times (1559-1829), when a series of statutes
punished Catholics for the practice of their faith. Over a period of about 20 years he
used his skills to build secret hiding places for priests throughout the country. His
work, which he did completely by himself as both architect and builder, was so good
that time and time again priests in hiding were undetected by raiding parties. He was
a genius at finding, and creating, places of safety: subterranean passages, small
spaces between walls, impenetrable recesses. At one point he was even able to
mastermind the escape of two Jesuits from the Tower of London. Whenever Nicholas set
out to design such hiding places, he began by receiving the Holy Eucharist, and he
would turn to God in prayer throughout the long, dangerous construction process.
After many years at his unusual task, he entered the Society of Jesus and served as a
lay brother, althoughfor very good reasonshis connection with the Jesuits was kept
secret.
After a number of narrow escapes, he himself was finally caught in 1594. Despite
protracted torture, he refused to disclose the names of other Catholics. After being
released following the payment of a ransom, "Little John" went back to his work. He
was arrested again in 1606. This time he was subjected to horrible tortures, suffering
an agonizing death. The jailers tried suggesting that he had confessed and committed
suicide, but his heroism and sufferings soon were widely known. He was of singularly
innocent life and wonderful prudence, He was canonized in 1970 as one of the 40
Martyrs of England and Wales.
COMMENT:
Nicholas was a clever builder and architect who used his skills to protect endangered
priests. Without his help, hundreds of English Catholics would have been deprived of
the sacraments. His gift for spotting unlikely places to hide priests was impressive,
but more impressive was his habit of seeking support for his work in prayer and the
Eucharist. If we follow his example, we may also discover surprising ways to put our
skills to Gods service.
REFLECTION:
""Marvel at the courage of Mary--at the foot of the cross, in the
greatest of human sorrow ( there is no sorrow like hers) filled with
fortitude.And ask her for that same fortitude , so that you , too, will
know how to remain close to the cross.." ( st.Jose maria)
*Recieving communion everyday for so many years ! Anybody else would be
a saint by now --you told me --and I ...I `m always the same! Son,
I replied ,keep up your daily communion, and think: What would I be if I
hadnt recieved?*
**O Jesus ! Who for love of me,
Didst bear Thy Cross to Calvary ;
In Thy sweet mercy grant to me
To suffer & die with Thee...**
S.THOMAS
NOTTINGHAM
ENGLAND
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