Philip Powell (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedPhilip Powell OSB |
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| Martyr | |
| Born | 2 February 1594 Trallong, Brecknockshire, Wales |
| Died | 30 June 1646 (aged 52) Tyburn, London, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 30 June |
Philip Powell (also known as Philip Powel) was an important religious figure who lived from 1594 to 1646. He started his career as a lawyer. Later, he chose to become a Benedictine monk and a priest.
Philip Powell worked as a missionary in England. This was a time when it was difficult to be a Catholic priest in England. He was eventually put to death for his beliefs in Tyburn.
Who Was Philip Powell?
Philip Powell was born on February 2, 1594. His birthplace was Trallong, a small place in Brecknockshire, Wales. From a young age, he was very interested in studying law.
One of his main teachers was David Baker. Interestingly, David Baker also later became a Benedictine monk. When Philip was about 16, he moved to London. There, he studied at one of the famous law schools called the Inns of Court. After finishing his studies, he worked as a lawyer, focusing on civil law. This type of law deals with disagreements between people.
Becoming a Priest
A few years later, Philip Powell decided to change his path. He joined the Benedictine order. This meant he became a monk and wore the special clothes, called a habit, of the Benedictine community. He joined a group of monks at Douai, a town that is now in France. This community is now known as Downside Abbey in England.
In 1618, Philip became a priest. This meant he could lead religious services and help people with their faith. In 1622, he left Douai and returned to England. His goal was to serve as a missionary. This was a challenging time for Catholics in England. Around 1624, he became a chaplain for the Poyntz family. He lived with them at Leighland in Somerset. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific family or group.
Challenges and Capture
Life became even harder when the English Civil War began. This was a big conflict in England. Philip Powell moved to safer places like Yarnscombe and Parkham in Devon.
For six months, he worked as a chaplain for Catholic soldiers. These soldiers were part of General Goring's army in Cornwall. When this army was no longer active, Philip tried to travel by ship to South Wales. However, his ship was captured on February 22, 1646. Someone on board recognized him and told the authorities that he was a priest.
His Final Days
On May 11, Philip Powell was sent to London. He was held in St. Catherine's Gaol, a prison in Southwark. While in prison, he became very sick with pleurisy. This is a serious lung illness.
His trial was supposed to happen on May 30, but it was delayed. It finally took place on June 9 at Westminster Hall. This is a very old and important building in London. Philip Powell was found guilty simply because he was a priest.
He was sentenced to death. It is said that when he heard his sentence, he was not afraid. He exclaimed, "Oh what am I that God thus honours me and will have me to die for his sake?" He even asked for a glass of sack, a type of wine. He was put to death at Tyburn on June 30, 1646.
Many years later, in 1929, Pope Pius XI officially recognized Philip Powell as a blessed person. This process is called beatification.
