March 10: Saint John Ogilvie

St. John Ogilvie

History

John was born into an important Scottish family who were all Protestant Christians. After studying a debate between a Protestant theory that God created only a few people to be saved and the Catholic truth that Jesus came to save the whole world, John to realize that Catholicism was right. So at 17, he converted to the Catholic Church. He became a Jesuit priest in France, later returning to his homeland as a missionary. Because it was illegal to be Catholic in Scotland, John was eventually arrested and told to reveal the names of other Catholics in the country. Even though he was starved, poked with sharp sticks and had his hair pulled out, he refused to reveal their names, protecting them.

Activity

Saint John Ogilvie was eventually sentenced to death, but he told the judge, “I fear death no more than you fear your dinner.” So today, enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner – sausage rolls. They are very easy to make with purchased puff pastry.

• 1 package of pre-made puff pastry
• 1 pound loose sausage
• Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten

1.    Preheat your oven to 400° and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

2.    Cut each sheet of puff pastry into six squares for a total of 12. 

3.    Divide the sausage into 12 equal portions and roll each one into a log an inch shorter than the pastry squares. Brown in a skillet to get rid of some of the fat, then drain on paper towels.

4.    Spread a little mustard on each square, and then place a sausage roll on each one. 

5.    Roll the pastry around the sausage, using a bit of egg to seal the dough (leave the ends open). Brush each roll with the rest of the egg. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slashes diagonally across the top.

6.    Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown all over.