John Plessington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintJohn Plessington |
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1637 Dimples Hall, Garstang, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 19 July 1679 (aged 41 - 42) Gallow's Hill, Boughton, Cheshire |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Canonized | 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI |
| Feast | 19 July (individual) 25 October (together with Forty Martyrs of England and Wales) |
| Attributes | Chaucible, chalice, Eucharist, rosary, martyr's palm |
John Plessington (born around 1637 – died July 19, 1679) was an English Catholic priest. He was also known by other names like John Plesington or William Scarisbrick. He was executed by the English government because it was against the law for Catholic priests to be in England at that time. Today, he is honored as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales by the Roman Catholic Church. These are people who died for their Catholic faith in England.
Contents
Who Was Saint John Plessington?
Early Life and Education
John Plessington was born around 1637 at Dimples Hall in Garstang, Lancashire, England. His father, Robert Plessington, was a Catholic who supported the King. His mother was Alice Rawstone. His family faced difficulties because of their religious and political beliefs.
John studied with the Jesuits at Scarisbrick Hall. Later, he went to colleges in other countries. He studied at the Royal College of Saint Alban in Valladolid, Spain. He also attended Saint Omer Seminary in France.
Becoming a Priest
John Plessington became a priest in Segovia, Spain, on March 25, 1662. After his studies, he returned to England in 1663. At that time, it was dangerous to be a Catholic priest in England.
His Secret Work and Arrest
John Plessington worked secretly to help Catholics in England. He served people in areas like Holywell and Cheshire. He often used the name John Scarisbrick to stay hidden. He also worked as a tutor at Puddington Old Hall near Chester.
He was arrested in Chester during a time called the Popish Plot. This was a period of great fear and false accusations against Catholics. After being held for two months, he was executed. He was killed for the "crime" of being a Catholic priest. He was executed at Gallow's Hill in Boughton, Cheshire.
Becoming a Saint
John Plessington was recognized for his faith and sacrifice. He was declared "blessed" (beatified) in 1929 by Pope Pius XI. Later, on October 25, 1970, he was made a saint (canonized) by Pope Paul VI. He is now one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Memorials and Legacy
Remembering Saint John
There is a special plaque that remembers John Plessington. It is located in the entrance of St Werburgh's Catholic Church in Chester. This church is very close to where he was executed.
A School in His Name
Today, there is a Catholic school named after him. It is called St. John Plessington Catholic College. This school is located in Wirral, England. In 2010, it won an award as the TES School of the Year for England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.
