John Twenge
John Twenge, also known as Saint John of Bridlington, was a 14th-century English saint celebrated for his holiness and miraculous powers. He served as the Prior of Bridlington Priory and is remembered for his integrity, scholarship, and quiet generosity. He was the last English saint to be canonized before the English Reformation.
- Feast Day
- 9
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›He was born in 1320 in the village of Thwing, Yorkshire.
- ›He was educated at Oxford University and entered the Augustinian Canons Regular at Bridlington Priory.
- ›He served as Prior of Bridlington Priory from 1362 until his death in 1379.
- ›Miracles attributed to him include turning water into wine and saving shipwrecked seamen.
- ›He was canonized by Pope Boniface IX shortly after his body was translated in 1404.
- ›His shrine was destroyed in 1537 during the English Reformation.
Saint John of Bridlington, John Thwing, John of Thwing, John Thwing of Bridlington
Women In Difficult Labour, Local Fishing Industry
Fish, Episcopal Robes
About John Twenge
Saint John of Bridlington
Saint John Twenge, also widely known as Saint John of Bridlington, was a prominent English ecclesiastic and saint of the 14th century. Born in 1320 in the village of Thwing, Yorkshire, he hailed from the notable Twenge family. After receiving his education at Oxford University, he entered the Augustinian Canons Regular community at Bridlington Priory.
Life and Ministry
Within Bridlington Priory, John Twenge served with diligence and humility, holding positions such as novice master, almsgiver, preacher, and sub-prior. He became a Canon in 1346 and was elected Prior in 1356, though he initially declined the role. After being re-elected, he assumed the duties of Prior in January 1362, serving for 17 years until his death on October 10, 1379. During his life, he cultivated a reputation for profound holiness and for possessing miraculous powers.
Miracles and Veneration
Reputed miracles attributed to John of Bridlington include the transformation of water into wine and the miraculous rescue of five seamen from a shipwreck. Following his death from natural causes, the fame of these miracles led to a rapid spread of devotion. Archbishop Alexander Neville initiated proceedings for his canonization in 1386. A solemn translation of his body occurred on March 11, 1404, officiated by Archbishop Richard le Scrope, after which Pope Boniface IX formally canonized him.
Legacy
John of Bridlington is commended for the integrity of his life, his scholarship, and his quiet generosity. He holds the distinction of being the last English saint canonized before the English Reformation. King Henry V attributed his victory at Agincourt to the heavenly intercession of Saint John of Bridlington and Saint John of Beverley. Women facing difficult labor may pray to him, and he is also associated with the local fishing industry. His feast day is observed by the canons regular on October 9. Although his magnificent shrine was destroyed in 1537 during the English Reformation, his veneration persists. He is the namesake of St. John Street in Bridlington, a thoroughfare connecting the old town with the quayside.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Twenge born and when did he die?
John Twenge was born in 1320 and died on October 10, 1379. He lived during the 14th century.
What is John Twenge known for?
He is known for his great holiness, miraculous powers, integrity of life, scholarship, and quiet generosity. He was the last English saint to be canonized before the English Reformation and is venerated as Saint John of Bridlington.
Where did John Twenge live and work?
John Twenge was born in Thwing, Yorkshire, and was educated at Oxford University. He spent much of his life as a member and later Prior of Bridlington Priory in Yorkshire.
What miracles are attributed to John Twenge?
Reputedly, he once turned water into wine. He is also credited with appearing to five seamen in danger of shipwreck and guiding them safely to shore.
When was John Twenge canonized?
Following his death and the spread of his fame for miracles, evidence was gathered for his canonization. He was canonized by Pope Boniface IX shortly after the solemn translation of his body on March 11, 1404.
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