Charles Mahoney (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedCharles Mahoney OFM |
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|---|---|
| Religious, priest and martyr | |
| Born | ca. 1640 Kingdom of Ireland |
| Died | 12 August 1679 Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales, Kingdom of England |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church (United Kingdom) |
| Beatified | 22 November 1997 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 4 May |
Charles Mahoney (also known as Charles Mahony or Charles Meehan) was an Irish Franciscan friar. He was born around 1640 and died on August 12, 1679. He is honored as a Catholic martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. Charles Mahoney is one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. These martyrs were officially recognized as "blessed" by Pope John Paul II in 1987. Their special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every year on May 4.
The Life of Charles Mahoney
Charles Mahoney was part of a group of Catholic religious men called the Franciscan Order. In 1676, he spent some time studying at St Isidore's College in Rome. This college was a main center for Irish Franciscans who were living outside of Ireland at the time.
After his studies, Charles Mahoney became a Catholic priest. He tried to return to Ireland from Europe. However, his ship was caught in a storm and wrecked. He ended up landing in Wales instead.
At that time, being a Catholic priest in Wales and England was against the law. Because of this, Charles Mahoney was arrested in 1678. He was held in prison in a town called Denbigh. The next year, he was put on trial in Ruthin, a town in northern Wales. He was found guilty and was put to death on August 12, 1679.
