Parish News Archive May 2026
Fr David Howell Preaches on the English Martyrs at St Charles
Fr David Howell reflects on martyrdom, forgiveness, and the call to faithful witness today
St Charles Borromeo Church welcomed Fr David Howell of Solihull on Monday 4 May 2026, as he preached at Mass on the witness of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Fr Phil assisted at the liturgy.
In a powerful and reflective homily, Fr David invited the congregation to consider the deep spiritual meaning of martyrdom, reminding all present that “they died in imitation of Christ. Christ is the King of Martyrs.”
Drawing a clear parallel between the suffering of Christ and that of the martyrs, he continued: “just as Christ was betrayed by His own people… so too our martyrs did the same.” He spoke movingly of the personal cost of their witness, noting that many were “betrayed by their fellow countrymen” and knew “the pain of that.”
Yet the heart of his message was not suffering alone, but forgiveness. Echoing the words of Christ on the Cross, Fr David reflected that the martyrs “learned how to forgive—even those who betrayed them, even those who put them to death.” Their response, he said, mirrored Christ’s own prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Fr David also emphasised the lasting impact of their sacrifice, reminding the congregation that “their deaths were fruitful” and that those who witnessed them were “moved and transformed.” He described how the example of the martyrs led others to conversion, ensuring that their witness continues to bear fruit even today.
The homily held particular local resonance, as two of the martyrs are associated with Hull. A blue plaque near Charterhouse Hull stands as a lasting memorial to their courage and faith.
Reflecting on the legacy of the martyrs, Fr David reminded the congregation that “we are the fruit of that sacrifice,” and that their witness continues to challenge Christians today. He posed a simple but searching question: whether we seek “the passing crowns of this world… or the eternal crown that comes from God.”
The Mass concluded with prayers for the intercession of the martyrs, whose example remains a powerful call to faith, courage, and fidelity in every generation
Fr David Howell (right) is a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark, ordained on 16 July 2016. He studied at the London Oratory School and went on to read Classics at Oxford before training for the priesthood at the Venerable English College. He has served in a number of parishes in South London, including Brixton Hill and Lewisham, and has also spent time at Southwark Cathedral. Fr David has undertaken further studies in Rome, including canon law and patristics, and currently serves as an assistant priest while also working within the diocesan tribunal.
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PRIESTS
Fr Richard Marsden, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough and a native of Hull, has been appointed as Vice Rector and Formation Tutor at the Venerable English College in Rome. He will take up the role in September.
This prestigious appointment places Fr Richard at the heart of priestly formation for the Church in England and Wales. The College has a long and distinguished history of preparing seminarians for ministry, and his role will involve helping to guide and support those discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
Fr Richard brings with him a wealth of pastoral and educational experience. Since 2022, he has served as Parish Priest of Holy Cross, Cottingham, alongside chaplaincy work at Castle Hill Hospital and St Mary’s College in Hull, where he was once a pupil. Prior to this, he served in parish ministry following his ordination in 2018 at St Mary’s Cathedral.
In response to his appointment, Fr Richard expressed both humility and enthusiasm, describing the role as a “great privilege” and looking forward to helping prepare “the next generation of priests to be zealous missionaries and faithful shepherds.”
The Rector of the College, Stephen Wang, welcomed the appointment and asked for prayers for Fr Richard and the whole College community. Gratitude was also expressed to Marcus Stock for supporting this important step.
Fr Richard’s journey to the priesthood began in Hull. After studying Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he worked in Catholic media and as a news reporter before entering formation for the priesthood in 2010. His studies took him to both Valladolid and Rome, where he developed a strong connection with the Venerable English College.
This appointment is a source of encouragement and pride for the local Catholic community, reflecting the ongoing contribution of clergy from our region to the wider mission of the Church.
Please keep Fr Richard and all those in formation for the priesthood in your prayers.
“A big thankyou and well done to St Charles Choir for performing in the choir class yesterday in Hull Music Festival at the Albermarle. You made me proud and there were many compliments afterwards!”
Edyta Prajsnar: Director of Music at St Charles.
Learn more about the St Charles Choir
Thine be the Glory
Performance by the Saint Charles Borromeo Choir Easter Sunday 2026