Jesuit Was Condemned To Death, Merely On The Charge Of His Priesthood

The Venerable David Lewis, otherwise called Charles Baker, Priest of the Society of Jesus, 1679. was born of Protestant parents in Monmouthshire, but was converted at the age of nineteen, and sent by his uncle, who was a Jesuit, to the English College in Rome. There he made his studies and was ordained priest, after which he entered the Society.

In the year 1648, Fr. Lewis was sent on the Mission of South Wales, where he laboured for thirty-one years, braving many dangers, and always exhibiting great zeal, and such charity towards his neighbours, that he was called the Father of the Poor.

He was arrested in the parish of Lantarnam, in Monmouthshire, and closely confined in several prisons, at Abergavenny, Monmouth, and Usk. The trial took place at Monmouth, and there

he was condemned to death, merely on the charge of his priesthood ;

but afterwards he was conveyed to London, to undergo an examination by Gates and his fellows, on the subject of the conspiracy. As nothing could be proved against him, he was sent back to Usk, and there brought to execution on the 27th August.

Fr. Lewis addressed the people in a speech of some length, in which he resolutely professed his religion, acknowledged that he was a priest and a Jesuit, but vindicated himself from all treason.

He also declared his free forgiveness of his enemies, and his perfect charity toward all men, and so piously resigned his soul into the hands of his Redeemer.

Link (here) to the book entitled A Menology of England and Wales

Photo is of Usk prision