Saint Anne Line – English Catholic Martyr

ST. ANNE LINE

St. Anne Line was an English Catholic martyr executed in 1601 for harboring Catholic priests during Elizabeth I's persecution of Catholics. She is honored for her courage, unwavering faith, and secret ministry during a time of danger.

St. Anne Line was born in 1563 in Essex, England, into a Calvinist family during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a time of severe persecution against Catholics. She was raised in a Protestant household but later converted to Catholicism in her early adulthood, a decision that came at great personal cost. Alongside her brother and her husband, Roger Line, she embraced the Catholic faith despite the dangerous environment.

Roger Line was arrested for his faith and exiled to Flanders, where he eventually died, leaving Anne a widow. Alone and steadfast in her beliefs, Anne became deeply involved in the underground Catholic mission in England. She took on a courageous role of harboring and aiding Catholic priests, who were considered traitors by the government simply for practicing and ministering in the Catholic faith.

Anne managed a safe house for Jesuit priests and others who were traveling in secrecy to minister to the underground Catholic faithful. She worked closely with prominent Catholic figures of the time, including Fr. John Gerard and Fr. Henry Garnet, both of whom later praised her dedication and piety.

Her mission came to an end in 1601 when government authorities raided a Mass being held at one of her safe houses. Although the priests managed to escape, Anne was arrested. She was tried and convicted for the crime of "harboring a priest," which carried the death penalty under the Elizabethan anti-Catholic laws.

At her trial, Anne boldly declared, "I am sentenced to die for harboring a Catholic priest. And so far am I from repenting that I did so, that I wish with all my soul that where I have entertained one, I could have entertained a thousand!" Her courage and outspokenness struck a chord even with those who witnessed her execution.

On February 27, 1601, she was executed by hanging at Tyburn in London. Her martyrdom was part of a larger persecution of Catholics during this period, yet her faith remained unshaken to the very end.

St. Anne Line was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. These were a group of men and women who were executed between 1535 and 1679 for their Catholic faith. Her legacy continues to inspire Catholics for her courage, faith, and love for the Church under extreme persecution.

Feast Day

27-2-

Birth Date

20-7-1563

Died Date

27-2-1601

Canonised Date

25-10-1970

London, England

"Saint Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, intercede for me and my loved ones. Guide us with your wisdom and grace, and help us grow in faith and holiness. Pray for us, that we may follow God's will, and find strength in His love. Amen."
ST. ANNE LINE

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ST. ANNE LINE

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
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Saint Companions for Each Day
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