Francis Taylor (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Blessed Francis Taylor(Irish: Proinnsias Táiliúr) |
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A statue of the Blessed Francis Taylor and of his grandmother-in-law, the Blessed Margaret Ball, which stands in front of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
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| Martyr | |
| Born | 30 January 1550 Swords, County Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 30 January 1621 Dublin Castle, Ireland |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church (Ireland) |
| Beatified | 27 September 1992, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 30 January |
| Patronage | Politicians |
Francis Taylor was an important figure in Dublin, Ireland, during the late 1500s and early 1600s. He served as the Mayor of Dublin. He was put in prison because of his Catholic faith. The Catholic Church later recognized him as a martyr, which means someone who died for their beliefs. He was also beatified, a step towards becoming a saint.
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Who Was Francis Taylor?
Francis Taylor was born around 1550 in a place called Swords in County Dublin. Later, he moved to the city of Dublin. There, he married into a well-known family. His wife's grandmother had also been the grandmother of a Mayor of Dublin.
In 1595, Francis Taylor himself was chosen to be the Mayor of Dublin. This was a very important job, like being the leader of the city.
Why Was He Imprisoned?
During Francis Taylor's time, there were many conflicts about religion in Ireland. The government at the time wanted everyone to follow the Protestant faith. However, Francis Taylor was a strong Catholic.
Because of his Catholic beliefs, he was arrested and put in prison in 1613. He stayed in prison for seven years. He was offered his freedom if he gave up his religion, but he refused. He died in prison on January 29, 1621.
Recognized as a Martyr
Many years later, Francis Taylor was honored for his strong faith. On September 27, 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified him. This means the Pope officially recognized him as one of the "Blessed."
Francis Taylor was part of a group of 17 people known as the Irish Catholic Martyrs. These were people who faced religious persecution and died because of their Catholic faith during that period in history.
Statue in Dublin
Today, you can see a statue in Dublin that honors Francis Taylor. It stands outside St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral. The statue also includes his wife's grandmother, the Blessed Margaret Ball. She also died in the same prison for her faith in 1584.
See Also
- Statues in Dublin
- Margaret Ball
