Alexander Crow facts for kids
Alexander Crow was an English shoemaker who later became a priest. He lived during a time when being a Catholic priest in England was very dangerous. He is remembered as one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales, who were people put to death for their Catholic faith.
Early Life and Journey
Alexander Crow was born in Yorkshire, England, around the year 1550. When he was young, he started working as a shoemaker. This was a common job back then.
He heard about a special school in France called the English College. This school was for English people who wanted to become priests. At the time, the college was located in a town called Rheims.
Alexander decided to travel to France to join the college. He didn't go there to study right away. Instead, he worked in different jobs at the school. He was a cobbler (another word for shoemaker), a porter (someone who carries things), and even an under-cook.
Becoming a Priest
While working at the English College, Alexander Crow decided he wanted to become a priest. He began his training at the seminary, which is a special school for people studying to become priests.
In 1583, he finished his studies. He was then ordained as a priest in a French town called Laon. This meant he was officially ready to serve the Catholic Church.
Mission and Arrest
In February 1584, Alexander Crow returned to the north of England. His goal was to continue his mission, which meant sharing his faith and helping people. He worked as a priest in England for about eighteen months.
During this time, it was against the law in England to be a Catholic priest. Alexander knew the risks, but he continued his work. He was arrested in a place called South Duffield. This happened while he was performing a baptism for a baby.
Death and Recognition
After his arrest, Alexander Crow was taken to York. He was put to death on November 30. The exact year of his death is a bit unclear, with some records saying 1586 and others 1587. He was about 35 years old when he died.
Alexander Crow is considered one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. These are people who died for their religious beliefs during a difficult time in English history.
On November 22, 1987, Pope John Paul II officially recognized Alexander Crow. He was declared "beatified," which is an important step towards becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.
See also
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
- Douai Martyrs
