Ambrose Barlow
Ambrose Barlow was an English Benedictine monk and one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He is remembered for his steadfast commitment to his faith, ministering to Catholics in Lancashire for over two decades despite facing imprisonment and persecution. Canonized in 1970, he is venerated for his martyrdom.
- Feast Day
- September 10
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Ambrose Barlow was born in 1585 at Barlow Hall, near Manchester, to a family with a history of resistance to the Church of England.
- ›He converted to Roman Catholicism in 1607 and later joined the Order of Saint Benedict, taking the name Ambrose.
- ›Ordained a priest in 1617, he ministered to Catholics in south Lancashire for twenty-four years.
- ›He was arrested four times and ultimately sentenced to death for his priesthood.
- ›Barlow was executed on September 10, 1641, by hanging, dismemberment, and quartering.
- ›He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Edward Barlow
About Ambrose Barlow
Ambrose Barlow (1585 – 10 September 1641)
Ambrose Edward Barlow, born in 1585, was an English Benedictine monk and a significant figure among the Catholic martyrs of England and Wales. He is one of the forty individuals canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, recognized for their sacrifice during the Reformation period.
Early Life and Conversion
Born into a noble family at Barlow Hall near Manchester, Ambrose Barlow initially adhered to the Anglican faith. His family had a complex relationship with the established religion; his paternal grandfather died in prison for his Catholic beliefs, and his father faced confiscation of property for non-conformity. At the age of twelve, Ambrose began an apprenticeship as a page in the household of a Protestant cousin. However, in 1607, he converted to Roman Catholicism after a friend's influence. Recognizing his calling to the priesthood, he pursued theological studies in Douai, France, and Valladolid, Spain. He joined the English Benedictine monks at St. Gregory's (now Downside Abbey) in 1615, taking the monastic name Ambrose.
Missionary Work and Arrest
Ordained a priest in 1617, Ambrose Barlow returned to England to undertake missionary work. For twenty-four years, he ministered to Catholic communities in south Lancashire, a region that was relatively tolerant of Catholics. He secretly celebrated Mass, recited prayers, and ministered to the poor, often traveling discreetly to avoid detection by Protestant authorities. His routine involved four weeks of travel within the parish followed by five weeks at a residence. Despite being arrested four times previously and released without charge, he refused to flee when King Charles I issued a proclamation in March 1641 ordering all priests to leave the country or face treason charges. Even after suffering a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, he remained committed to his flock.
Execution and Martyrdom
On Easter Day, April 25, 1641, Ambrose Barlow and approximately 150 parishioners were surrounded at Morleys Hall by an armed group. He surrendered peacefully. Transported to Lancaster Castle, he had a premonition of his martyrdom, reportedly seeing a dream of Edmund Arrowsmith, another martyr. On September 7, he appeared before Judge Sir Robert Heath, where he professed his Catholic faith. The following day, September 8, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Ambrose Barlow was executed on September 10, 1641, by being drawn, hanged, dismembered, and quartered. His head was displayed on a pike. His skull was later rescued by his cousin and preserved.
Canonization and Legacy
Ambrose Barlow was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His legacy endures through various churches and schools named in his honor across England, and several of his relics are preserved in different religious institutions, including his skull at Wardley Hall.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ambrose Barlow born?
Ambrose Barlow was born in 1585 at Barlow Hall, near Manchester, England.
Why was Ambrose Barlow imprisoned and executed?
Ambrose Barlow was imprisoned and executed for being a Catholic priest in England, which was considered treasonable by the Protestant authorities at the time. King Charles I had issued a proclamation decreeing that all priests must leave the country or face arrest and treatment as traitors.
What was Ambrose Barlow's role as a priest?
After his ordination in 1617, Ambrose Barlow returned to England and ministered to Catholic parishioners in south Lancashire for twenty-four years. He secretly offered Mass, recited the Office and Rosary, and cared for the spiritual needs of the poor Catholics in his parish.
When was Ambrose Barlow canonized?
Ambrose Barlow was canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Where are Ambrose Barlow's relics preserved?
Several relics of Ambrose Barlow are preserved, including his jaw bone at the Church of St Ambrose in Manchester, his left hand at Stanbrook Abbey, his right hand at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon, and his skull at Wardley Hall.
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