Pope Paul VI on the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales

Martyrdom according to the Catechism is "the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death." Blessed Pope Paul VI in his homily for the canonization of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales speaks of the ineffable fortitude the martyrs display in witnessing to the love of Christ.

Faced with the choice of remaining steadfast in their faith and of dying for it, or of saving their lives by denying that faith, without a moment’s hesitation and with a truly supernatural strength they stood for God and joyfully confronted martyrdom. 

— Blessed Pope Paul VI

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O God, who was pleased to give light to your Church by adorning on your Forty Martyrs of England and Wales the victory of eternal life graciously grant that, as they imitated the Lord's Passion, so we may, by following in their footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.