The Basics: Born 1567 in England; died February 27, 1601, in England; canonized December 15, 1929, by Pius XI; feast day, October 25. Martyr; wife.
The Story: You might say Anne spent her life sacrificing for her faith. She and her brother were disowned by their Calvinist father when the two of them converted to Catholicism. Anne went on to marry a convert as well. It was illegal to practice Catholicism in England at that time, to the point that her husband was arrested for simply attending Mass and exiled to what is now Belgium, where he died.
Anne persisted in helping other Catholics and was asked to be 
responsible for a London home where priests and others congregated. During a raid, the priest who was present managed to remove his vestments, but the prepared altar still was visible. She refused to deny her faith or her activity and was tried and hanged. Anne is among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Anne’s Wisdom: “I am sentenced to die for harboring a Catholic priest, and so far I am from repenting for having so done, that I wish, with all my soul, that where I have entertained one, I could have entertained a thousand.”
What We Can Learn from Anne: What strength and faith Anne must have had to speak so strongly for Catholicism. Is there a situation where you should speak up for the Lord rather than remain silent?
To Learn More About Anne: You’ll find a more detailed biography at the site of the Diocese of Shrewsbury, England.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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