Robert Lawrence (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintRobert Lawrence OCart. |
|
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Born | c.1485 |
| Died | 4 May 1535 (aged 49 - 50) Tyburn, London, England |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII |
| Canonized | 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI |
| Feast | 4 May (individual), 25 October (collectively with Forty Martyrs of England and Wales) |
| Attributes | martyr's palm |
Saint Robert Lawrence (died May 4, 1535) was an important religious figure in England. He was a member of a group called the Carthusians, who were monks. He is remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He was put to death because he would not agree to a special promise called the Oath of Supremacy. This oath said that King Henry VIII was the head of the church in England. His special day is May 4.
Contents
The Life of Robert Lawrence
Robert Lawrence was born around the year 1485. He went to Cambridge University and became a graduate. After finishing his studies, he decided to join the Carthusians. This is a very old group of Christian monks.
In 1531, Robert Lawrence became the leader, or Prior, of the Beauvale Priory in Nottinghamshire. He took over this role from John Houghton. John Houghton then became the Prior of a different Carthusian house, the London Charterhouse.
A Difficult Time in England
By February 1535, the English Parliament made a new rule. Everyone in England had to take the Oath of Supremacy. This oath declared that King Henry VIII was the "Supreme Head" of the Church in England. This meant the King, not the Pope, was in charge of religious matters in England.
Robert Lawrence and John Houghton went to speak with Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell was a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. Instead of finding understanding, they were arrested. They were then sent to the Tower of London.
Standing Up for Beliefs
Both Robert Lawrence and John Houghton refused to sign the Oath of Supremacy. They believed that the Pope, not the King, was the true head of the Church. Because of their refusal, they were put to death at Tyburn. This made them some of the very first Carthusian martyrs in England. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs.
Becoming a Saint
Robert Lawrence was honored as "Blessed" in 1886. Later, in 1970, he was made a saint by Pope Paul VI. He was canonized along with thirty-nine other martyrs. Their feast day is celebrated on October 25.
See also
