St. John Houghton

St. John Houghton was an English Carthusian monk and the first Catholic martyr under King Henry VIII, executed for refusing to accept the king's supremacy over the Church.

St. John Houghton was born around 1486 in Essex, England. Educated at Cambridge, he was ordained a priest and later joined the Carthusian Order, drawn to its austere and contemplative life. He eventually became the prior of the London Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery known for its devout and disciplined community.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the English Church was severed from Rome, and the king demanded that all clergy take the Oath of Supremacy, acknowledging him as the head of the Church of England. Houghton and his fellow Carthusians could not in good conscience deny the pope’s spiritual authority. Houghton attempted to respectfully appeal to the king, explaining their objections, but his efforts only angered Henry.

Arrested along with other Carthusian leaders, Houghton was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Despite brutal conditions and immense pressure, he remained steadfast. On May 4, 1535, he was led to his execution at Tyburn. There, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered—the first of many English Carthusian martyrs. As he was being disemboweled alive, he was heard to pray for mercy and forgiveness.

St. John Houghton's heroic witness became a symbol of fidelity to the Catholic faith in England during the Reformation. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Feast Day

4-5-

Birth Date

--1486

Died Date

4-5-1535

Canonised Date

25-10-1970

London

St. John Houghton, courageous confessor of the faith, who gave your life rather than betray Christ's truth, intercede for us. May we remain steadfast in our convictions, even in the face of persecution. Strengthen us to follow your example of integrity and holiness. Amen.
ST. JOHN HOUGHTON

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ST. JOHN HOUGHTON

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