Beatificationoffour Wexfordmartyrs

July 1992

As the date approaches for the beatification of four Wexford martyrs, efforts to generate a greater interest in this event are being intensified in Ferns diocese.

Next Sunday is the anniversary of their brutal execution for their faith in Wexford in 1581, and today’s Wexford Catholics are being exhorted to make a special effort to remember them on the day.

‘We should now be praying to them,’ commented Wexford Parish Administrator, Fr. Hugh O’Byrne, who will be amongst those who will attend the beatification ceremony in Rome on September 27.

They were four ordinary Wexford Catholics – Matthew Lambert (a baker), and three sailor friends named Robert Meyler, Edward Chevers, and Patrick Kavanagh. There were two other sailors involved too, but their names are not known.

They were hanged, drawn and quartered when found guilty of treason for helping a prominent Catholic leader, Viscount Baltinglass, to escape by boat from Wexford to the continent after a rebellion had failed.

Next Sunday is also the day of the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock and it expected that Bishop Comiskey will use the occasion to speak about the martyrs.

During their trial, they steadfastly proclaimed their loyalty to their faith, with Matthew Lambert declaring: ‘I am an unlettered man but I speak for my friends accused here with me. I do not understand these matters you ask me. All I can tell you is that I am a Catholic and I believe in the faith of my mother, the Holy Catholic Church.’

Their beatification is the first step towards potentially being canonised as saints.