The Inspiring Legacy of Blessed Edward Bamber
Blessed Edward Bamber, a courageous figure whose unwavering faith and sacrifice continue to inspire generations. Let us delve into the remarkable history of this remarkable man.
A Time of Persecution
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, England was a land of religious turmoil. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I saw tensions between Catholics and the Protestant establishment. Pope Pius V issued the papal bull ‘Regnans in Excelsis,’ which declared Queen Elizabeth I a heretic and excommunicated. As a result, Catholics in England were viewed as dangerous, their loyalties seemingly divided between the Crown and the Holy See in Rome.
The Life of Blessed Edward Bamber
Blessed Edward Bamber was born in Carleton, a village near Blackpool, Lancashire, in the year 1600. His journey of faith led him to become a seminarian in St. Omer, France, and later, he attended the English College of St. Gregory in Seville, Spain. There, in 1626, he was ordained a priest.
Upon returning to England, Father Bamber faced immense risks. It was illegal to be a Catholic, attend or celebrate Mass, or harbour a priest. Being ordained abroad was considered treasonous. Yet, Father Bamber fearlessly embraced his calling.
Arrests and Escapes
His devotion to the Catholic mission led to multiple arrests. After disembarking in the port of Dover, he was promptly apprehended for kneeling in prayer. Banished once, he returned, likely serving as a chaplain at Standish Hall. His captors, inebriated, allowed him to escape through the window of the Old Green Man inn near Claughton-on-Brock.
For the next sixteen years, Father Bamber tirelessly served the Catholic community, primarily in Lancashire. Despite the risks, he continued to baptise, marry, and minister to the faithful.
The Final Sacrifice
Captured a third time, Father Bamber endured imprisonment between 1643 and 1646. The civil war delayed his trial, but eventually, two fallen Catholics testified that they had witnessed him baptising and marrying. This testimony was deemed sufficient proof of his priesthood.
On August 7th, 1646, Blessed Edward Bamber, along with fellow priests Blessed Thomas Whitaker and Blessed John Woodcock, faced execution at Lancaster Castle. Father Bamber’s courage shone brightly. He reconciled a condemned man, granting him absolution on the gallows. His persecutors, enraged, subjected him to a gruesome death—hanging, drawing, and quartering.
Legacy and Beatification
Blessed Edward Bamber, Father Whitaker, and Father Woodcock were the last to be martyred in Lancaster. Their unwavering faith and sacrifice remain a testament to the resilience of the Catholic community during those perilous times.
In November 1987, Pope Saint John Paul II beatified these three priests, including Blessed Edward Bamber, as part of the 85 Martyrs of England and Wales.
As we reflect on this historic day, let us draw inspiration from Blessed Edward Bamber’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to illuminate our path, reminding us that courage and conviction can change the course of history.
