Blessed John Fenwick

John Fenwick (1628-1679) was one of five Jesuits caught in the web of lies concocted by Titus Oates who accused the Jesuits of assassinate King Charles III and overthrow the government. Although the story was patently fictitious, the Jesuits paid with their lives. Fenwick was born in England to Protestant parents whose name was Caldwell. He converted to Catholicism against the wishes of his parents who threw him out of their home. Fenwick made his way to Saint-Omer where he came to know the Jesuits whom he joined in 1656. He did his philosophical and theological studies at Liège and was ordained in 1664. For the next almost 10 years he served the college in Saint-Omer in financial matters before returning to the English mission in 1674. He also cared for financial matters of the mission and lived in London.

For more details of this complex but fascinating story, see the entry under Blessed Thomas Whitbread.

Other English Martyrs

Originally Collected and edited by: Tom Rochford, SJ