Saint Richard Reynolds O.Ss.S, was a Bridgettine monk of Syon Abbey, founded in Twickenham by Henry V. He was born in Devon in 1492, educated at Corpus Christi, Cambridge, and joined the Abbey in 1513, and was the only English monk well-versed in the three principal languages of Latin, Greek and Hebrew.
Richard Reynolds was martyred at Tyburn on 4th May 1535, now his feast day, for refusing the Oath of Supremacy to King Henry VIII of England. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970, among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
The painting (above) was specially commissioned by the Chairman of the Governing Body, Andrew Cole, for the Official Opening of St Richard Reynolds Catholic College on 19th September 2013. The artist is Jared Gilbey. St Richard Reynolds is shown wearing the habit of the Order of the Most Holy Saviour, he holds the book of Psalms in his left hand and a palm reed in his right hand, a symbol of his martyrdom. To his right are the Carthusian priors and Blessed John Hailes, behind them is the Tyburn Tree; to his left is St Birgitta of Sweden who founded the Order. Also shown are Syon Abbey and The Tower of London. In a scroll above his head is a verse from Psalm 27 which Richard Reynolds quoted in his trial, Credo videre bona domini in terra viventium (I believe to see the good things of the Lord).
The College Motto
VIDETE BONA DOMINI – ‘See the good things of the Lord.’The College motto is derived from one of the verses of Psalm 27 that Richard Reynolds quoted at his trial: Credo videre bona Domini in terra viventium (I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living). Our motto is based on that verse and it is presented in the imperative: Videte bona Domini (See the good things of the Lord). The Motto encourages us to look at the good things God has given us; to discover them across the curriculum in literature, science, art, beautiful music and so forth as well as finding the talents He has given to us and others. It has an eschatological dimension to it as well in that we finally behold God’s goodness in heaven.