…By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
The Missale Romanum, also known as the Roman Missal, belonged to Father John Huddleston, who saved the monarch’s life and had the book by his side during Charles II’s conversion on his deathbed.
It bears Father Huddleston’s signature and even has drops of candle wax on some pages.
He was sheltered and protected by the Catholic Whitgreave family, who remained loyal to the Royalists even after the execution of Charles I in the English Civil War.
He often consulted various books, including the Missale Romanum, from Father Huddleston’s library.
After the restoration of Charles II to the throne, Father Huddleston served as chaplain to both Queen Henrietta Maria, the King’s mother, and Catherine of Braganza, his wife.
When Charles II was on his deathbed in 1685, Father Huddleston administered the sacraments, heard his confession, and received him into the Catholic Church.