Miles Gerard facts for kids

Miles Gerard was an English Catholic priest who lived in the 1500s. He was born around 1550 in Wigan, England. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr, which means he died because of his religious beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized him as "Blessed" in 1929. He was executed in Rochester, England, in 1590.

The Life of Miles Gerard

Miles Gerard was born in Wigan, England, around the year 1550. When he was about 26 years old, he worked as a tutor, teaching children at a place called Morleys Hall in Lancashire.

Becoming a Priest

In 1579, Miles Gerard decided to study to become a priest. He went to the English College, which was located in Douai and Reims, outside of England. He was ordained as a priest on April 7, 1583. After becoming a priest, he stayed at the college and taught there until August 31, 1589.

Journey to England

In 1589, Miles Gerard decided to return to England. He traveled with five other companions. When they reached Dunkirk, the sailors would only take two passengers. So, Miles Gerard and another priest named Francis Dicconson were chosen to go first. Francis Dicconson was also a young priest who had been christened in 1564.

Blessed Francis Dicconson
Martyr
Born	christened 28th October 1564 [1] Otley, West Yorkshire, England
Died	13 April 1590 (aged possibly 26) Rochester, Kent, England
Beatified	15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Feast	13 April

Although they planned to go to London, their ship was blown off course. They ended up in Dover harbor. There, on November 24, they were questioned and arrested because people were suspicious of them.

Arrest and Execution

At first, Miles Gerard and Francis Dicconson used fake names and gave unclear answers to their questioners. However, they soon decided it was better to tell the truth. They were taken to prisons in London.

After being held in prison, they were found guilty of being traitors. This was because, at that time, being a Catholic priest in England was against the law. They were then taken to Rochester. On April 13, 1590, Miles Gerard and Francis Dicconson were put to death for their faith.