The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest

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"The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest" by Fr. John Gerard, S.J., is a riveting true account of courage and faith in Elizabethan England. This gripping narrative follows a Jesuit priest who, at great personal risk, defied persecution to serve the Catholic faithful. Through thrilling adventures and daring escapes, Gerard's story highlights the timeless struggle for religious freedom. A must-read for history and faith enthusiasts. See more...


Product information
  • Written by an English Priest in the 1600s
  • First-person account of a hunted priest in Elizabethan England
  • Incredible story of courage and faith
  • Autobiography, history and adventure in one
  • Inspiring read for any Catholic

Truth is stranger than fiction. And nowhere in literature is it so apparent as in this classic work, the Autobiography of a Hunted Priest. This autobiography of a Jesuit priest in Elizabethan England is a most remarkable document and John Gerard, its author, a most remarkable priest in a time when to be a Catholic in England courted imprisonment and torture; to be a priest was treason by act of Parliament.

Smuggled into England after his ordination and dumped on a Norfolk beach at night, Fr. Gerard disguised himself as a country gentleman and traveled about the country saying Mass, preaching and ministering to the faithful in secret - always in constant danger. The houses in which he found shelter were frequently raided by "priest hunters"; priest-holes, hide-outs and hair-breadth escapes were part of his daily life. He was finally caught and imprisoned, and later removed to the infamous Tower of London where he was brutally tortured.

The stirring account of his escape, by means of a rope thrown across the moat, is a daring and magnificent climax to a true story which, for sheer narrative power and interest, far exceeds any fiction. Here is an accurate and compelling picture of England when Catholics were denied their freedom to worship and endured vicious persecution and often martyrdom.

But more than the story of a single priest, the Autobiography of a Hunted Priest epitomizes the constant struggle of all human beings through the ages to maintain their freedom. It is a book of courage and of conviction whose message is most timely for our age.


SKU: 1010285

  • Author: Fr. John Gerard, S.J.
  • 395 pages
  • Paperback

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Overall rating: 4.875 / 5 from 8 reviews.

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Reviews

Excellent book--I couldn't put it down.

"This book could be on the ""Must Read"" list for Catholics. Fr. Gerard's firsthand account of Elizabethan England is so inspiring, uplifting, and moving. His vignettes of countless unnamed Catholics who clung to their faith and supported their priests despite persecution is an encouragement to us all. If you're apprehensive to read a book from the 16th century, don't worry--Fr. Gerard's style is so easy to read. You'll think it's a contemporary work!"

G. C. (5/5)

Shows true heroism of priests

"Shows true heroism of priests in the worst of persecutions"

Kyle B. (5/5)

Eye Opening History of the Catholic Church in England.

"This book reveals how horrific the persecution of Catholic priests was in England after the founding of the Church of England. It was amazing to me that so many Catholics refused to turn away from their Roman Catholic faith and risked everything they had to harbor and support priests. Many of these people had servants who were Protestant who could have turned them in to the authorities. The brutal deaths that so many priests had at the hands of those in charge at all levels of government is truly eye opening. It was even more astounding that some of the legal biases against Catholics is still on the books today in England (according to the foreword in the book)."

CONSTANCE B. (5/5)

Read the True Stories of British Isle "Hunted Priests" just a few hundred years ago

"Interesting story of British Isle Priests who were persecuted by the Crown during the ""Reformation"" period in England/Scotland/Wales/No Ireland. Based on written accounts----fascinating true-life stories of what those brave men (and some others who hid/helped them) endured for the Faith."

Charles A. (4/5)

Can't wait to read this!

"I ordered this book because it sounds like a thrilling story. I used to read to my husband, long ago and now that we are empty nesters I though I might take up this practice again. He's not Catholic, but I'm anticipating that he will be quite taken with this true story."

Joanne K. (5/5)

The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest

"This book is gripping. Such horrid things those brave men and the people who hid their priest. . ."

Katherine E. (5/5)

I haven’t started this yet.

"I haven’t started this yet. It is next on my pile. I did flip through it and anxious to start it."

Julie C. (5/5)

I couldn't stop reading this

"I couldn't stop reading this book. Did not want it to end. Very well written and very informative."

Suzanne S. (5/5)

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