John Sugar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed John Sugar
Priest and Martyr
Born	c. 1558 Wombourn, Staffordshire, England
Died	16 July 1604 (aged 45 - 46) Warwick, Warwickshire, England
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Feast	16 July (individual with Robert Grissold) 22 November (together with Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales)
Attributes	Eucharist and chalice

John Sugar (1558 – July 16, 1604) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is known as a Catholic martyr, meaning he died for his religious beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized him as "Blessed" in 1987.

John Sugar's Early Life and Faith

John Sugar started his studies at the University of Oxford in 1584. He attended St. Mary's Hall, which was part of Oriel College. He left the university before finishing his degree.

Some people believe he left because he did not agree with the Oath of Supremacy. This was an oath that recognized the English monarch as the head of the Church. For a time, he worked as a Protestant minister in Cannock, Staffordshire.

Becoming a Priest

Later, John Sugar decided to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained in 1601 at the English College, Douai, which was a college in France for English Catholics. After becoming a priest, he returned to England to serve the Catholic community.

Arrest and Trial

In those days, it was against the law to be a Catholic priest in England. John Sugar was arrested on July 8, 1603, in Rowington, Warwickshire. He was arrested with his helper, Robert Grissold. Robert Grissold was from Rowington and worked for Mr. Sheldon.

John Sugar was not accused of any specific crime like treason. Instead, he was accused simply of being a Catholic priest in England. This was against laws passed in 1584 and 1604.

After being held in prison for a year in Warwick, John Sugar and Robert Grissold were sentenced on July 14. Sugar was condemned for being a priest. Grissold was condemned for helping him.

His Courageous Death

John Sugar faced his execution with great bravery. During his difficult experience, he said, "I shall soon be above the sun." He also said, "after a sharp dinner I shall have a sweet supper." This showed his strong faith and hope.

Robert Grissold was offered a chance to live if he agreed to join the Church of England. However, he refused and chose to stay true to his Catholic faith.

Remembering John Sugar

John Sugar and his companion, Robert Grissold, were recognized as "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1987. They were honored along with eighty-three other martyrs from England and Wales.

Their special feast day, which is a day of remembrance, is celebrated every year on July 16.

Artistic Depictions

There is a painting by Rebecca Dering that shows John Sugar before his execution. You can also see a fresco of him and Robert Grissold. This fresco is located at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs