Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Philip was born 1645 in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales to William Evans and Winifred Morgan . He received his education at the Jesuit college of Saint Omer in Flanders. There, Philip acquired a strong foundation in academics. Besides his scholarly pursuits, Philip had a talent for music and was adept at playing the harp. Additionally, he enjoyed playing tennis as a form of recreation.

Jesuit at 20

In 1665, at the age of 20, Philip Evans made the decision to dedicate his life to the service of God as a Jesuit. On September 7, 1665, he entered the Society of Jesus and began his formation as a Jesuit. After completing his formation, Philip was ordained as a priest at Liege, Belgium.

Sent Back to Wales

Following his ordination, Philip was assigned to southern Wales in 1675, where he ministered to covert Catholics during a time of increased persecution. For several years, Philip zealously ministered to his flock unmolested with the civil authorities turning a blind eye.

During that time, Philip became known for his zeal and charity and was fearless in caring for the Catholics entrusted to him. He travelled around the South Wales area meeting people, making friends and staying the night secretly in their houses, during the night he would celebrate Mass. Local Catholics would attend as messages were passed by word of mouth however even the people attending had to be very careful as they also were risking their lives to attend Mass.

Sadly, Philip’s efforts to spread the Catholic faith and provide pastoral care did not go unnoticed. Then, in November 1678, John Arnold, a justice of the peace and hunter of priests, offered a 200 pound bounty for his arrest. However, Philip refused to leave his flock untended.

Arrested

In December 4, 1678, Philip was arrested at the home of Christopher Turberville at Sker, Glamorgan. Philip could have come out free, if he had taken the oath of fidelity and supremacy of the king also in religious matters. So, when he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy, Philip was imprisoned alone in an underground dungeon without light or ventilation in the Cardiff Castle, to the Black Tower. Several weeks later, he was joined in prison by fellow countryman, Saint John Lloyd, a secular priest, who was arrested at Penllyn, Glamorgan. They had both been arrested in the hysteria of the Titus Oates plot to kill King Charles II.

Brought to Trial

After five months, Philip and John were brought to trial. But when no evidence of their complicity could be produced, they were charged with being priests, which was illegal in the realm. Few were willing to serve as witnesses against them. Finally, they were convicted on the evidence of two poor women, Dorothy James of Llangattock and Mayne Trott of Llanfihangel Crucorney, who were suborned to say that they had seen Philip celebrating Mass. Therefore, this trial, held on May 5, 1679, was brief, since Philip did not deny that he was a priest and that he had exercised the functions of his ministry. So, Philip was condemned for the “crime” of being a priest in Cardiff.

Playing Tennis Before His Execution

Philip and John supported and encouraged each other in their unwavering faith and commitment to serve God, even in the face of great adversity. Following the trial, Philip and John were returned to prison, where they were allowed a great deal of liberty. In fact, they had so much liberty that when an official came to tell them they were be executed the following day, Philip was playing tennis and would not return to his cell until he had finished his tennis match. Back in his cell, Philip spent his remaining hours playing the harp with which to accompany his songs of thanksgiving to God for his happy future martyrdom. Philip also got permission to receive and comfort the Catholics who flocked in large numbers to visit him. It almost seems as though the local people were reluctant to have treated them in such an uncharitable manner.

His Martyrdom

Philip was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, a brutal form of execution. That morning when the soldiers arrived to get Philip, the chains on his legs were so tight that it took over an hour to remove them. Their removal caused a indescribable agony and pain to Philip.

When he mounted the scaffold, Philip addressed the onlookers in Welsh and English, saying; “This is the best pulpit a man can have to preach in, therefore, I cannot forbear to tell you again that I die for God and for Religion’s sake.” In addition, Philip, turning to his fellow martyr, said: “Adieu, Mr. Lloyd, though for a little time, for we shall shortly meet again.” The execution of Philip took place on July 22, 1679 on Gallows Field outside of Cardiff, Wales.

Philip met his martyrdom with courage, accepting his fate as a testament to his love for God and his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church.

Born:                   1645 in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales

Died:                   July 22, 1679 on Gallows Field in Cardiff, Wales

Beatified:           December 15, 1929 by Pope Pius XI

Canonized:        October 25, 1970 by Pope Paul VI

Feast Day:          July 22

Patron Saint:     Harp Players; Tennis Players

Source:

• • CatholicSaints.Info » Saints of the Day – Philip Evans and John Lloyd, Priests by Katherine I Rabenstein
  • Saint Philip Evans – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • St. Philip Evans – Santi e Beati (translated from Italian)
  • The History of St Philip Evans by Saint Philip Evans Catholic Primary School –
  • Philip Evans and John Lloyd – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

English Martyrs: Fr. Philip Evans, SJ – Always Ready (22 July) – YouTube (Sensus Fidelium)