Memory, Martyrs, and Mission

Friday, December 18, 2020

December 29th, 2020 marked the 850th anniversary of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. The English Hospice, founded in Rome in 1362 for pilgrims from England and Wales, was dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity and St Thomas of Canterbury.

The transformation in 1579 of the Hospice into a new English College in Rome, preparing priests for the dangerous post-Reformation mission to England and Wales, engendered further martyrdoms, with 44 members of the College being executed for serving as priests on the mission.

The VEC has produced an impressive new book to mark this occasion titled Memory, Martyrs, and Mission. Essays to Commemorate the 850th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St Thomas Becket (c. 1118–1170).

About the book

The book and e-book are available for purchase at:

Please consider making a donation to NAFVEC

Martyrs' Day 2020

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Between 1581 and 1679, 44 VEC students were martyred for the Faith, among them 10 who were canonized in 1970. When news of a martyrdom reached the College, students gathered in front of the Martyrs’ Picture hanging above the high altar to sing a Te Deum.

This practice is continued each year on 1st December — the Feast of the College Martyrs. In keeping with tradition, veneration of the relic of St Ralph Sherwin — the VEC’s protomartyr — also takes place, and those present give thanks to God for the witness of all the priests formed at the VEC.

The VEC's New Men

Thursday, November 19, 2020