Alexander Rawlins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedAlexander Rawlins |
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|---|---|
| Born | 1560 Oxford, England |
| Died | 7 April 1595 York, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929, Rome by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 7 April |
Alexander Rawlins (1560 – 7 April 1595) was an English Catholic man who was put to death for his religious beliefs. He is known as a martyr, which means he died because of his faith. In 1929, he was honored by the Catholic Church and given the title "Blessed."
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The Life of Alexander Rawlins
Alexander Rawlins was born in Oxford, England, around 1560. He grew up in a Catholic family during a time when being Catholic in England was very difficult. The government often made laws against Catholics.
Early Life and Education
Alexander went to school in Winchester, a city in England. After that, he continued his studies at Hart Hall in Oxford. Later, he moved to London and started learning to become an apothecary, which was like a pharmacist who prepared medicines.
Challenges and Travel
Because of his strong Catholic beliefs, Alexander faced many problems. In June 1586, he was arrested and put in Newgate Prison in London. After some time in prison, he was forced to leave England because he would not give up his Catholic faith.
He sailed from Southampton to Saint-Malo in France. From there, he traveled a lot, often walking long distances. He visited important cities like Rome and Paris. Eventually, he arrived in Reims, France, where he joined the English College in December 1587. This college was a place where English Catholics could study to become priests.
Becoming a Priest and Returning to England
On March 18, 1590, Alexander Rawlins became a priest in Soissons, France. Soon after, on April 9, he was sent back to England. His mission was to secretly help Catholics in England practice their faith. He traveled with two other priests, Edmund Gennings and Hugh Sewell. Sometimes, Alexander used the name "Francis Yeale," which was his mother's maiden name, to avoid being recognized.
Final Days and Legacy
Alexander worked as a priest in the areas of York and Durham in England. On Christmas Day in 1594, he was arrested again in Winston, Durham. In the spring of 1595, he was taken to York to face trial. There, he met another Catholic priest named Henry Walpole.
On April 7, 1595, Alexander Rawlins and Henry Walpole were both executed in a very harsh way at a place called Knavesmire in York. Alexander was put to death first. He is remembered for his courage and dedication to his faith. His feast day, when Catholics remember him, is celebrated on April 7 each year.
