Saint of the Day – 16 March – Blessed Robert Dalby (Died 1589) Priest Martyr

Saint of the Day – 16 March – Blessed Robert Dalby (Died 1589) Priest Martyr
Born at Hemingborough near Wakefield in North Yorkshire, England and died on 16 March 1589 at York, England by being hanged, drawn, and quartered during the persecutions of Elizabeth I. Also known as – Robert Drury. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Blessed Robert was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI. A point of interest is that Yorkshire, as you will have noticed, was particularly strong in the Catholic Faith, regardless of the rampant and violent persecutions. Having lived in Yorkshire for 10 years, I have lots to tell you sometime soon.

Robert was born a Protestant and became a minister. But he became intrigued with Catholicism and after studying the Faith Robert became a Catholic. In September 1586, he went to study the subjects of the Priesthood, at the English College at Rheims. He was Ordained a Priest at Chalons on 16 April 1588.

On 25 August of that same year, he set out for England. He was arrested almost immediately upon landing at Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast and was imprisoned in York Castle. He was in contravention of English Law which made it a capital oiffence to be a Catholic Priest and which Law carried the penalty of Death by means of hanging, drawing and quartering.

A fellow Priest, Fr John Amias, accompanied him. They remained imprisoned from 25 August until 16 March 1589. The Court Sentencing was proclaimed for both Priests. Upon the arrival at the place of execution, the two Priests prostrated themselves in prayer. Fr John was chosen to be executed first, so Robert Dalby had to watch his fellow Priest being hanged and quartered before his own turn came but he displayed no hesitation in going to his death for the Faith of the Church of his Christ.

Those who venerated these young Priests, shortly after their deaths, reported many miracles. Both Priests were declared Blessed by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.

Blessed John Amias here:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-blessed-john-amias-1589-priest-martyr/