It was during the reign of the famous Queen Elizabeth, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603. She was a cruel queen who ordered countless of her subjects to be put to death, coldly and unjustly, simply because they were steadfast and fervent Catholics.
Among the many victims of her satanic hatred was John Post, a native of Pereth (Cumberland), who was deeply devoted to the Mother of God. Even in the tragic hour of his death, he gave proof of this devotion.
This is how it happened: as he was led to the gallows, before a large crowd of spectators, he knelt on the first step of the scaffold and prayed aloud:
«The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit».
He then prayed a Hail Mary.
Next, he climbed to the second step and prayed in a strong voice:
«Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word».
And he prayed another Hail Mary.
Finally, he climbed to the third step, the last one on the scaffold, knelt for the last time, and prayed:
«And the Word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us».
He prayed the third Hail Mary, fervently commending himself to Our Lady.
He then surrendered himself to the executioner and endured martyrdom heroically, being hanged for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Catholic Church.
My brother, we too are condemned to death. We must all die. It may be said that we approach it by climbing three steps as well: one in the morning, another at noon, and the third in the evening.
Let us imitate the example of this holy martyr by praying the «Angelus» three times a day, as is customary among devout Catholics.
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