(Rothe’s Analecta, p. 439)
HE inherited Brittas in Limerick. A fancy took him to visit Spain.
He heard of the liberty which Catholics enjoyed in Spain, and how that country befriended his own.
His father-in-law did everything to prevent him from leaving.
When he was hindered from leaving, he resumed the pious manner of life, heard Mass openly, devoted himself to works of charity, especially accompanying priests, on their missionary work.
The report of his piety reached Bronchard, President of Munster.
He persecuted Catholics.
Lord Burke and Sherriff Walsh, accused Sir John of harbouring priests and erecting an altar in his house, to which crowds of people used to pray. The President sent Captain Miller, to seize Sir John and his chaplain.
Captain Miller surrounded the house at Mass time. The crowd fled.
Sir John and the chaplain went with the sacred vessels into a strong tower attached to the house.
When the siege had lasted a few days, Sir John rushed out and ran towards the river.
He had already sent away his chaplain to a place of safety.
He reached the other bank, not however without making some noise.
The guards pursued the fugitive, while he hid the sacred burthen which he had carried under his arm. He was betrayed at Carrick.[13]
The Governor of the town threw him into prison.
He was visited by his wife, who was about to give birth. He urged her to adhere to the true faith, to serve God and be devout to His Blessed Mother, and avoid all intercourse with heretics.[14] He gave her a letter to Fr. Halaghan, director of the sodality, beseeching him to undertake the task of instructing her.
She set off, and went to Waterford in search of him, and went onto Kilkenny at a very inclement time of the year, and gave him the letter.
When Sir John was on trial in the public court, he did not say a word, and like a lamb led to the slaughter, he did not open his mouth.
The President declared openly that he would treat him with every kindness if he obeyed the wish of the King in all that related to faith and religion; and when he refused he was sentenced to death.
Sir John, bold and unmoved, answered aloud that he would acknowledge no king, no queen, who did not believe in Christ, the King of Heaven, and Christ’s Mother, the Queen of Heaven; and whosoever would strive to turn him from the service of both, deserved neither obedience nor respect; and whosoever would act otherwise was not the servant of God, but the slave of the devil.
He listened to the sentence with a cheerful countenance, and only answered that he was glad those who harmed his body in such a way had no power over his soul.
He was carried in a cart to the place of execution outside the city.
When coming near the place, he asked to be set down, in order that he might approach it on his knees, and this was allowed him.
He commended himself to the saints and showed as much contentment and joy as if he was going to a sumptuous feast.
He was offered pardon, restitution of his lands, and preferment if he would take the oath of Supremacy and go to church.
He said that he would not for all the world offend God, he would not exchange heaven for earth, and that he renounced and abominated all that the Catholic Church repudiated and condemned.[19]
When John was hanged, some incl Thomas Browne[20] petitioned that when his body might not be cut limb from limb.
They carried it into the city and buried it in St. Joh
Please pray for final perseverance for all of us!
May the martyrs of old inspire us all.
