A MARTYR

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1930, Page 5

A MARTYR

BURIED AT WESTMINSTER

(Times Service)

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.)

LONDON, May 2

The first martyr buried at Westminster Cathedral is John South worth, a Jesuit, who was executed at Tyburn, where lie was hanged beheaded and quartered in 1654, under the orders of Oliver CToimvel!. It may be said to be his homecoming as Southwortli was known as the parish priest of Westminster, where he worked for years among the poor, during the outbreak of the plague anointing many' infected people. Earl Arundel secured portions of the body and placed them in a leaden coffin which was taken to Donai Seminary where Southwortli-, was educated. The coffin was rediscovered in 1927, when X rays revealing the scars of martyrdom established the identification of the remains.

To-day, thousands assembled at tbe Cathedral, where there were hung banners showing the martyrdom of the body, arrayed in red vestments of the martyr. The remains were placed in a glass sided teak casket, the face covered, and was carried on priest’s shoulders to the Chapel of St. George, Cardinal Bourne following. An immense crowd subsequently thronged, hoping to touch the casket with scapulars and rosaries.