Christopher Robinson (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedChristopher Robinson |
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Statuette of Blessed Christopher Robinson, part of a shrine in the church of Our Lady & St Joseph, Warwick Square, Carlisle.
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | between 1565 and 1570 probably Woodside, near Carlisle |
| Died | 19 August 1598 (aged between 27 - 33) Carlisle, Cumbria, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 19 August, 7 August, 22 November |
| Attributes | broken noose around neck |
Christopher Robinson (died 19 August 1598) was an English Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died for his religious beliefs. The Roman Catholic Church honored him in 1987 by declaring him "Blessed."
His Life and Faith
Christopher Robinson was born in Woodside, near Westward, Cumberland, sometime between 1565 and 1570. When he was older, he went to the English College in Reims, France. This was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests during a time when it was difficult to practice their faith in England.
In 1592, Christopher became a priest. He was then sent back to England to serve the Catholic community there. This was known as the "English mission." At this time, laws in England made it illegal for Catholic priests to be in the country.
Arrest and Trial
Christopher Robinson worked mostly in the areas of Cumberland and Westmoreland. In 1597, he was arrested at Johnby Hall and taken to prison in Carlisle. The Anglican Bishop John May was in charge of his arrest.
Later, Bishop Henry Robinson tried to convince Christopher to change his beliefs and join the Church of England. If he did, he could have saved his life. However, Christopher remained strong in his Catholic faith.
His Final Moments
Under the laws passed by Queen Elizabeth I, it was against the law for Catholic priests to be in England. Because of these laws, Christopher Robinson was sentenced to death.
He was executed on 19 August 1598, in Carlisle. A letter from Father Henry Garnet SJ describes how Christopher faced his execution with courage. He spoke to the sheriff, showing his willingness to suffer for his beliefs.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II declared Christopher Robinson "Blessed." He is remembered on 29 October as one of the Douai Martyrs, a group of people who died for their Catholic faith.
See also
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
- Douai Martyrs
