St John Payne was a Catholic priest and martyr who served the people of Essex at a dangerous time for Catholics in England.
He was born in Peterborough in about 1532. As a young man, he went to Douai, where many English Catholic priests were trained. He was ordained in 1576 and returned to England to minister to Catholics who could not practise their faith openly.
Much of his work was in Essex, especially around Ingatestone Hall. He celebrated Mass, heard confessions and helped Catholic families remain faithful in difficult times.
In 1581, he was arrested. He was imprisoned and tortured in the Tower of London. He was later tried at Chelmsford and condemned to death. He denied plotting against the Queen, but he would not give up his Catholic faith or his priesthood.
St John Payne was executed at Chelmsford on 2 April 1582.
He was canonised by Pope Paul VI on 25 October 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Why he matters to us
Our parish is named after St John Payne because of his strong connection with Essex and his witness to the Catholic faith.
His life reminds us that faith is not only something we believe. It is something we live, sometimes quietly, sometimes bravely, and always with God’s help.
We ask St John Payne to pray for our parish, for our school, and for all who are trying to follow Christ today.
St John Payne, pray for us.
Feast Day: 2 April
Canonised: 25 October 1970, by Pope Paul VI
Patron of: St John Payne Catholic Church, Greenstead · St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford