Roger Cadwallador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedRoger Cadwallador |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1568 Stretton Sugwas, Hereford, England |
| Died | 27 August 1610 (aged 41 - 42) Leominster, Herefordshire, England |
| Honored in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 27 August, 22 November |
| Attributes | martyr's palm |
Roger Cadwallador (born 1568 – died August 27, 1610) was a Roman Catholic priest from England. He is honored as a Catholic martyr, meaning he died because of his religious faith. The Catholic Church recognized him as "Blessed" in 1987.
Contents
The Life of Roger Cadwallador
Roger Cadwallador was born around 1568 into a Welsh family. His home was in Stretton Sugwas, a village near Hereford in England.
Becoming a Priest
Roger began his journey to become a priest in Europe. In 1591, he became a subdeacon in Reims, France. A few months later, in 1592, he became a deacon. Later that year, he went to the English College in Valladolid, Spain. There, in 1593, he was ordained as a Catholic priest.
Missionary Work in England
In 1594, Roger Cadwallador returned to England. He worked as a missionary in Herefordshire for about 16 years. He helped many people, especially the poor, speaking both Welsh and English.
Arrest and Imprisonment
Authorities began searching for Roger in 1605. However, he was not caught until Easter of 1610. He was arrested at the home of Mrs. Winefride Scroope, a widow living near Hereford.
After his arrest, Roger was taken to the Bishop of Hereford, Robert Bennet. The bishop sent him to Hereford prison, where he was kept in heavy chains day and night. Later, he was moved to Leominster prison. He had to walk the entire way in shackles, which are heavy chains for the legs. A boy was allowed to walk beside him to help carry some of the weight of the chains.
His Death
Roger Cadwallador was found guilty simply for being a priest. This was a crime in England at that time. He was sentenced to death several months before his execution.
His execution took place in Leominster. Accounts say he suffered greatly because the hangman was not skilled. He was eventually cut down and died a very painful death.
Roger Cadwallador was also known for his knowledge of Greek. He translated a book called Ecclesiastical History by Theodoret from Greek. This book was published after his death at St. Omer's.
Honoring Roger Cadwallador
Roger Cadwallador was officially recognized as "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II in 1987. This is a step towards being declared a saint in the Catholic Church. There is a special chapel dedicated to him in the Church of Saint Ethelbert in Leominster.
See also
