John Ogilvie, martyr (1579–1615)

Biography

A Scottish Jesuit, Juan Ogilvie returned clandestinely to his homeland when celebrating the Catholic Mass could be punishable by death. Under a false name he visited the sick and prisoners, celebrated the sacraments and accompanied small persecuted communities. Betrayed and arrested, he endured interrogations, sleep deprivation, and torture, but he refused to denounce those who had helped him and to acknowledge the king's authority over the faith. He was hanged in Glasgow in 1615. He died declaring that he gave his life solely for his fidelity to the Catholic religion.