Born in Scotland in 1579, his father was a wealthy landowner and a Calvinist. 

When he was twelve, John was sent to the continent to finish his education. There, he was taught by the Benedictines in Germany and the Jesuits in Moravia. 

John also became interested in the debates between Calvinists and Catholics. As he searched for The Truth, John was particularly moved by what Jesus says in Matthew, 11:

“Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” 

In time, he came to feel The Catholic Church welcomed everyone and was especially impressed by the dedication of the martyrs. 

He eventually joined the Jesuits and was ordained in 1610. Shortly afterward, he met two priests who had just been expelled from Scotland after being arrested and imprisoned. 

His Superiors sent John on a secret mission to Scotland, however, he had little success and returned to Paris. 

But he was sent back, and this time was able to gain many converts, before being betrayed and arrested. 

Though he was severely tortured he would not acknowledge the king as the final arbiter of all spiritual matters, saying: 

“In all that concerns the king, I will be slavishly obedient, But in the things of spiritual jurisdiction which a king unjustly seizes, I cannot and must not obey.” 

On the scaffold, he was offered his freedom and a fine living if he would recant, but he refused and was hanged for being a Catholic on this day in 1615. 

St. John Ogilvie, please pray for us.