Robert Johnson (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedRobert Johnson |
|
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | Shropshire, England |
| Died | 28 May 1582 Tyburn, London, England |
| Beatified | 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII |
| Feast | 28 May |
Robert Johnson was a Catholic priest from Shropshire, England. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He is remembered as a martyr, someone who died for their beliefs.
Contents
Robert Johnson's Story
Early Life and Training
Robert Johnson grew up in the English county of Shropshire. When he was young, he worked as a servant in a wealthy home. He later decided to become a priest. In 1571, he traveled to Rome to study at the German College.
After his studies, he became a priest in Brussels. This was through the English College, Douai, a school for English priests. Many English Catholics went there during this time.
Returning to England
In 1579, Robert Johnson went on a special religious journey to Rome. He then returned to England in 1580. At this time, being a Catholic priest in England was very dangerous. Queen Elizabeth I was the ruler, and the official religion was Protestantism.
On July 12, 1580, Robert Johnson was arrested. He was later taken to the Tower of London, a famous prison. He was held there and questioned for a long time. He stayed in a prison cell until his trial in November 1581.
The Trial and Execution
Robert Johnson was one of 19 priests put on trial with Saint Edmund Campion. Their trial took place in Westminster Hall in London. They were accused of treason, which means plotting against the Queen. However, the priests strongly said they were not plotting. They believed they were being punished for their Catholic faith.
On November 20, 1581, Robert Johnson was found guilty. He was sentenced to death. On May 28, 1582, he was executed in Tyburn, London. Two other priests, Thomas Ford and John Shert, were also executed that day. Robert Johnson was the last to die. He was forced to watch the execution of John Shert before his own death.
As he was about to die, Robert Johnson began to pray in Latin. A minister told him to "Pray as Christ taught." Johnson replied, "What! Do you think Christ taught in English?" This showed his strong faith. All three priests were later honored as "Blessed" in 1889.
See also
