1511 - John Houghton was ordained priest as a Carthusian monk.

1530 - selected as head of the Carthusian Priory at Beauvale.

1534 - The imposition of the Act of Supremacy. This required all subjects to accept the King as Head of the Church.

John Houghton knew this was an attack on church teaching and therefore refused to accept it. Knowing that a storm was about to break, he led his monks in three days of prayer for strength and guidance. On the third day a remarkable manifestation was felt during a Mass to the Holy Spirit.

4th May 1535 - John Houghton was hung, drawn and quartered for his refusal to take an oath of supremacy. He led his brother priests in hymn singing on the way to execution at Tyburn. His final words “Good Jesus, what will you do with my heart?”.

Father of all, give me the courage to always do what is right. Instil within me the grace that I may serve you today in a way that Saint John Houghton once did through prayer and witness. Empower me with the conviction to put my heart into all that I do for the good of others. Provide me with the strength of mind to keep my faith. And above all, grant me the fortitude to follow your Son, Jesus, amid the mayhem of our often chaotic world. Amen.

Saint John Houghton Pray for us.