TEN of the 40 English
Martyrs Pope Paul will canonise in Si. Peter's on October 25 either studied at the Venerable English College or worked there for at least part of their time in Rome. The first college martyr was Blessed Ralph Sherwin, who was martyred at the same time as Blessed Edmund Campion.
The college, understandably, will have a central part in the canonisation ceremonies and is now busy with preparations.
Various relics, including hooks the martyrs used, will he displayed at the college. In the main chapel, a famous 16th century painting of the Blessed 1 rinity, St. Thomas of Canterbury and St. Edmund King and Martyr, known as the "Martyrs' Picture", will be a special object of veneration by pilgrims in Rome for the canonisation.
"We expect many to come in groups and Mass and Benediction will be held for them," Mgr. Joseph .4Iston, Rector of the College, said.
The chapel and other parts of the college have been renovated for the historic occasion.
At the canonisation in St. Peter's English College students will form part of the choir which, befitting this momentous English occasion. will sing hymns with a thoroughly English flavour, such as "Praise to the Holiest in the Height," ''For All Thy Saints," "All People That On Earth Do Dwell," "Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven," "Jerusalem The Golden" and "The Church's One Foundation." The Crimond setting of the Psalm "The Lord Is My Shepherd" will also be sung and the music of the Mass will be by the English composer Byrd.
Students of the Pontifical Beth College will cooperate fully in the ceremonies. They, too, will be in the choir, as well as English-speaking sisters from Regina Mundi, the international theological college for nuns.
English College students will also be acting as guides and ushers and they are assisting in the distribution of tickets for the canonisation. Cardinal Heenan and most of the bishops of England and Wales will be in Rome for the canonisation.
On October 27, Cardinal Heenan will give the inaugural address at the opening of a new year at the Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University. The normal opening has been postponed for two weeks to tie in with the ceremonies for the martyrs.
Not only were many of the martyrs Jesuits, but several of them were students at the original Gregorian. The name came from Pope Gregory XIII, who founded both the Gregorian Is such and the English College, forming a link between the two that has been strengthened through the years.