“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

When we think of saints, we often imagine individuals from distant lands, long-ago centuries, or who are well-known like St. Catherine of Siena or St. Francis of Assisi. But for Catholics in England and Wales, the story of sainthood is woven into the very streets, prisons, and countryside of their own nation. It is a story of loyalty, conscience, and extraordinary courage in the face of persecution.

Who Were the 40 Martyrs?

The 40 Martyrs of England and Wales were men and women who lived between the years 1535 and 1679, a time when being Catholic was not just dangerous—it was often a death sentence. After Henry VIII broke from Rome and established the Church of England, anyone who remained loyal to the Pope and Catholic teaching faced harsh penalties: fines, imprisonment, torture, and execution.

Over these tumultuous years, more than 300 Catholics were put to death for their faith and hundreds more imprisoned. Among them were priests who celebrated Mass in secret, laypeople who sheltered clergy, teachers who educated children in the old faith, and nobles who defended Catholic truth even from behind the walls of royal courts.

In 1970, Pope Paul VI canonized forty of these martyrs as saints. They were carefully chosen to represent the whole range of people who remained steadfast: men and women, clergy and laity, rich and poor, English and Welsh. Their canonization wasn’t simply a celebration of past suffering—it was an invitation to reconciliation and unity, acknowledging the courage and faithfulness that had endured even in the darkest times.

Why Only Forty?

The Church recognized hundreds of English and Welsh martyrs, but canonizing all of them at once would have been overwhelming. The forty chosen represent a cross-section of that larger group, offering a tapestry of stories—priests and poets, mothers and missionaries, scholars and simple faithful—each witnessing to the same truth.

Their canonization also carried a hopeful message. Rather than reopening the wounds of the Reformation, it called for forgiveness and a shared remembrance of faithfulness, courage, and conscience.

Today, the Feast of the English Martyrs is celebrated on May 4th, commemorating not just these forty, but all who gave their lives for the Catholic faith during the Reformation.

Where Do St Thomas More and St John Fisher Fit In?

Many people are familiar with St Thomas More and St John Fisher, both martyred in 1535 for resisting Henry VIII’s claim to headship over the Church. So why aren’t they counted among the 40?

The answer lies in their earlier canonization. Pope Pius XI canonized More and Fisher together in 1935, recognizing their personal holiness, integrity, and influence, particularly in public life and governance. While they share the same historical period and died for the same cause, their canonization celebrated their unique roles as public figures and leaders.

In the broader remembrance of England’s Catholic martyrs, More and Fisher are honored alongside the Forty—but they stand slightly apart due to their earlier sainthood. They have a joint feast day on June 22.

The Legacy of the 40 Martyrs

The legacy of the 40 Martyrs is not merely one of suffering—it is a legacy of hope, endurance, and quiet heroism. In secret Masses, hidden chapels, whispered catechism lessons, and acts of shelter and hospitality, the Catholic faith survived in England and Wales against all odds.

Today, their memory calls us not to bitterness, but to courage and faithfulness in our own lives—however ordinary or challenging they may seem.

As we move deeper into this series, we’ll explore the lives of these incredible witnesses: who they were, what they risked, and how their sacrifices still speak to us today.

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the witness of the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales.
Grant us the same courage to stand firm in faith,
to seek reconciliation over division,
and to live lives that bear quiet, unwavering witness to Your love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

What to Do Next

Place to Visit:
If you are in London, consider visiting Tyburn Convent, near Marble Arch, where many of the martyrs were executed. The nuns there keep the memory of the martyrs alive through prayer and public tours.

Learn more about Tyburn Convent and the Shrine of the Tyburn Martyrs →