The Saints: St. Edmund Campion

c. 1540 - 1581 / Feast - Dec. 1 

Edmund is among the 10 canonized and 18 beatified Jesuits martyred in England and Wales during the Catholic persecution of 1581-1679.

Born in London, he taught at Oxford University and, after reconciling with the Catholic Church, entered the Jesuits in Rome in 1573.

Among the first Jesuits sent to England, he secretly ministered there for a year until his capture and imprisonment in the Tower of London. When he refused to accept the religion established by Queen Elizabeth I, he was hanged, drawn and quartered.