John Almond (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintJohn Almond |
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|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1577 Liverpool |
| Died | 5 December 1612 (aged 34 - 35) Tyburn, London |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929, Rome by Pope Pius XI |
| Canonized | 25 October 1970, Rome by Pope Paul VI |
| Feast | 5 December, 25 October (with the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales) |
| Patronage | Liverpool |
John Almond (born around 1577 – died 5 December 1612) was an English Catholic priest. He became a priest in 1598. Sadly, he was killed for his faith in 1612. In 1970, John Almond was recognized as a saint. He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Contents
Early Life and Becoming a Priest
John Almond was born in Allerton, Liverpool, around 1577. He spent his early years there and in Woolton, Liverpool. When he was about eight, he moved to Ireland.
At age twenty, John went to the English College in Rome. This was a special school where he trained to become a priest. He was ordained, meaning he officially became a priest, in 1598. After his training, he returned to England in 1602 to serve as a missionary.
Serving in England and His Arrest
John Almond worked as a priest in England for ten years. During this time, he helped people who shared his Catholic faith. He also spoke out against the laws that were unfair to Catholics at the time.
He was arrested in 1608 and again in 1612. While he was in prison, some people claimed he had said things that upset the authorities. They said he believed that anyone who had done something very wrong, like harming a ruler, could still be forgiven if they truly felt sorry and confessed to a priest.
His Final Moments
Before he died, John Almond prayed. He also gave money to people who were poor. In his final speech, he said that using life well is the way to a good afterlife. He also made it clear that he did not support harming rulers. He said he respected the king's authority.
John Almond was executed on 5 December 1612. This happened at Tyburn, in London, England.
Becoming a Saint
Pope Paul VI officially declared John Almond a saint on 25 October 1970. A small bone from John Almond still exists today. It is kept in a special place for martyrs in Tyburn Convent, London.
Saint John Almond is considered the patron saint of Liverpool. This means he is a special protector or guide for the city.
A book called Saint John Almond and the Society of His Time was written about his life. It explores the important events of his life and the history of the 16th and early 17th centuries.
His Legacy
A Catholic school in Garston, Liverpool, was named after him. It was first called Blessed John Almond School and later St John Almond Catholic High School. Today, this school is known as The Academy of St Nicholas.
