George Gervase facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed George Gervase OSB
George Gervase in Benedictine habit. In the background depictions of his martyrdom and his burial.
Martyr
Born	c. 1569 - 1571 Bosham, Sussex, England
Died	11 April 1608 (aged 37 - 39) Tyburn, London, England
Beatified	15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Feast	11 April

George Gervase was an English Catholic priest who lived a long time ago. He was part of a religious group called the Order of St. Benedict. George Gervase worked as a special religious helper, known as a missionary, in England. This was during a time when being Catholic was against the law. He was later executed for his beliefs in Tyburn.

Early Life and Big Adventures

George Gervase was born in a place called Bosham in Sussex, England. When he was about twelve years old, he became an orphan. This means both his parents had died.

Soon after, something very dramatic happened. George and two of his brothers were captured by pirates! The pirates took them far away to the West Indies. George was held captive for more than twelve years.

During this long time, he lost touch with his Catholic faith. But when he finally returned to England, he learned something important. His older brother, Henry, had moved to Flanders (which is now part of Belgium) so he could freely practice his Catholic religion. George decided to follow him there. He soon rediscovered his faith and became Catholic again.

Becoming a Priest

In 1595, George Gervase began studying at the English College in Douai. This was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests. He worked hard and was ordained as a priest in 1603.

The very next year, he decided to go back to England. He wanted to help other Catholics there. He worked as a missionary for over two years, sharing his faith.

Facing Danger in England

Life for Catholic priests in England was very dangerous back then. In June 1606, George Gervase was arrested. He was then sent away from England, along with many other priests.

After being banished, George went on a special trip to Rome. He tried to join another religious group called the Society of Jesus, but he wasn't accepted. So, he went back to Douai. There, he joined the English Benedictine Congregation at a monastery called St. Gregory’s.

His brother Henry tried to help him find a safe place to live near Lille. Henry wanted to protect George from the dangers in England. But George was determined to return to his home country. He wanted to help people there find their faith again.

His Final Stand

George Gervase managed to return to England. However, he was soon arrested again. He was asked to take a new oath of allegiance. This was a special promise to the King. But the oath included parts that went against Catholic beliefs about spiritual matters. George refused to take it.

Because he would not take the oath and because he was a Catholic priest, he was put on trial. He was found guilty of being a priest in England. On April 11, 1608, George Gervase was executed at Tyburn.

Many years later, in 1929, he was honored by Pope Pius XI. He was declared "Blessed," which is a step towards being recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs