Saint of the Day, Ecumenical Edition: Charles I, King and Martyr

Today marks the 363rd anniversary of the beheading of King Charles I (1600–1649). In my Anglican days, I formed a great devotion to the Royal Martyr. I remember vividly attending a showing of the film Cromwell in a Times Square theater with a group of friends, booing the title character and applauding when the King, played by the incomparable Alec Guinness, made an appearance. That devotion has continued, though more informally, since I returned to Catholic unity. It is only to be hoped that this devotion will be permitted to the Anglican ordinariates established by the Holy Father. In honor of the day, I offer a florilegium to his memory.

It is all I have now left me, a power to forgive those that have deprived me of all; and thank God have a heart to do it, and joy as much in this grace, which God hath given me, as in all my former enjoyments; for this is a greater argument of God’s love to me than any prosperity can be. Be confident (as I am) that the most of all sides, who have done amiss, have done so, not out of malice, but misinformation, or misapprehension of things.
. . .
Farewell, till we meet, if not on earth, yet in Heaven.
—From the last letter of King Charles to his son

                                                                                        

He nothing common did or mean
Upon that memorable scene;
But with his keener eye
The axe’s edge did try:
Nor called the gods, with vulgar spite,
To vindicate his helpless right;
But bowed his comely head
Down, as upon a bed.                                      —Andrew Marvell

 O Lord, we offer unto thee all praise and thanks for the glory of Thy grace that shined forth in thine anointed servant Charles; and we beseech Thee to give us all grace, by a careful studious imitation of this Thy blessed Saint and Martyr, that we may be made worthy to receive benefit by his prayers, which he, in communion with the Church Catholic, offers up unto Thee, through Thy Son, our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ.
                            —Brian Duppa, Bishop of Salisbury and Winchester