John Duckett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Duckett |
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| Born | 1613, Sedbergh, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 7 September 1644 (aged 30 - 31), Tyburn, Middlesex, England |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929, by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 7 September |
John Duckett (1613 – 7 September 1644) was an English Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died because of his religious beliefs.
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The Life of John Duckett
John Duckett was born in 1613 in a place called Underwinder, in Yorkshire, England. His parents were James and Francis Duckett. He was related to another person named James Duckett, who also faced difficulties because of his Catholic faith.
John was baptized in 1614 and went to Sedbergh School. When he was seventeen, he went to study at the English College, Douai in France. He became a priest in 1639. After that, he studied for three more years in Paris.
A Special Gift
People said John Duckett had a special gift for prayer. Even as a student, he would spend many nights praying. Before he returned to England, he spent two months in quiet reflection with his uncle, who was also a religious leader.
His Mission in England
John Duckett arrived in Newcastle upon Tyne around Christmas in 1643. He worked as a priest in the North of England, especially in Durham, for about a year.
This was during the English Civil War, a time when there was fighting between different groups in England. John was arrested by soldiers called Roundheads on July 2, 1644. He was on his way to baptize two children when he was caught.
He was taken to Sunderland and questioned. He bravely admitted that he was a priest. Because of this, he was sent to London with another priest, Ralph Corby, who had been arrested nearby.
Facing Challenges
John Duckett and Ralph Corby were held in Newgate in London. Many Catholics gathered to see them. Both priests made a strong impression on people because they were so cheerful and holy, even in prison.
John was put on trial on September 4. He was sentenced to a very harsh punishment. Ralph Corby was offered a chance to be set free, but he chose to stay with John. John also refused to leave his friend. Both priests were executed in Tyburn in London on September 7, 1644.
Remembering John Duckett
John Duckett and Ralph Corby were later declared "Blessed" by Pope Pius XI on December 15, 1929. This means they are honored by the Catholic Church for their faith.
There is even a school named after him, Blessed John Duckett R.C Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, Durham.
See also
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
- Douai Martyrs
