New DVD explores life of London martyr: St John Southworth

The remains of St John Southworth

St John Southworth was the last Catholic priests in London to be executed for his faith, during the 17th century. His remains at Westminster Cathedral are a focus of pilgrimage and prayer. A new DVD has been released which tells the story of his life.

Filmed on location in London, and aimed for use in schools, the 22 minute film describes St John Southworth's mission to the poor, his trial and execution at Tyburn, and how his body was discovered in France in the early 20th century and his remains returned to England and received into Westminster Cathedral in 1936.

'In Search of St John Southworth' follows four secondary school children from Douay Martyrs School in Hillingdon on a pilgrimage around London as they find out more about the life and work of St John Southworth. The pilgrimage is led by Fr Paolo Bagini, who at the time of filming was about to be ordained a Catholic priest.

An interview with Archbishop Vincent Nichols forms part of the film in which he talks about how St John Southworth continues to inspire Catholics in their faith and vocations to the priesthood.

Born in 1592, St John Southworth devoted his life to caring for and administering the Sacraments to the poor and plague victims in and around the area of London where Westminster Cathedral now stands. He was martyred for his faith on 28 June 1654. His remains are now kept in the Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs in Westminster Cathedral. He was beatified in 1929 and canonized as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

Fr Richard Nesbitt, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Westminster, was the film's consultant. He said: "St John Southworth brought the sacraments and practical help to Catholics and non-Catholics alike in and around the area where Westminster Cathedral now stands. Through his compassion and courage, he made Christ present."

"In the DVD 'In Search of John Southworth', we are invited to see the continuing power of St John's witness in our own day. St John Southworth is our saint, watching still over the people of Westminster and bringing us before the throne of God."

Eddie Tulasiewicz, Executive Producer of the film said: "The DVD is ideal for teachers and Catechists who want an up-to-date resource for teaching about one of the Diocese of Westminster's saints. It will also appeal to anyone interested in Catholic and London history. The aim is to bring St John Southworth alive for people today and to help us reflect on our own individual vocation."

The DVD is on sale at £4.99. £1.00 of the sale of each DVD will go to support the work of the St John Southworth Fund, which supports the work of parishes, organisations or individuals across a range of issues including poverty, old age and infirmity, homelessness and children with disabilities or who are in danger of deprivation.

To see a trailer of the film go to: http://vimeo.com/32845828