John Nelson (martyr) facts for kids

John Nelson (born around 1535 – died February 3, 1578) was an English Jesuit priest. He is known as a martyr because he was put to death during the time of Elizabeth I for his religious beliefs.

Becoming a Priest

John Nelson was born in Skelton, York, England. When he was almost 40 years old, he decided to become a priest. In 1573, he traveled to Douai (in modern-day France) to study.

Two of his four brothers also later went to Douai to become priests. John Nelson became a priest on June 11, 1576. He was ordained in a place called Binche. After becoming a priest, he went to London to carry out his mission.

Arrest and Trial

On December 1, 1578, John Nelson was arrested at his home. This happened late in the evening while he was praying. He was taken to Newgate Prison because people suspected he was a "Papist," meaning a Catholic.

While he was in prison, he wrote to other Jesuits. He asked for permission to officially join the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.

About a week later, he was questioned. He refused to agree that Queen Elizabeth I was the supreme head of the church in England. He also said that the Queen was a "schismatic," meaning she had caused a split in the church.

Under a law from 1571, saying such things about the Queen was considered treason. Treason was a very serious crime, punishable by death.

Imprisonment and Execution

On February 1, 1578, John Nelson was sentenced to death. After his trial, he was held in a dark, underground cell in the Tower of London. This cell was known as the Pit of the Tower. While he was imprisoned, he lived on only bread and water. He was also able to say Mass, which is a Catholic church service.

On the day he was to be put to death, he met with his family. He did not want to meet with any Protestant ministers. He was taken to Tyburn, a place where executions happened. He was allowed to speak to the crowd, who were mostly against Catholics in London at that time.

When asked to apologize to the Queen, he bravely said, "I will ask no pardon of her, for I have never offended her." He then asked any Catholics in the crowd to pray with him. He recited several common prayers in Latin.

John Nelson was put to death in a very harsh way. His last words were reportedly, "I forgive the queen and all the authors of my death."

Legacy

John Nelson was recognized for his strong faith and sacrifice. He was beatified on December 29, 1886, by Pope Leo XIII. Beatification is a step towards becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs