Roger Filcock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roger Filcock
Born	Sandwich, Kent, England
Died	27 February 1601 London
Beatified	22 November 1987 by John Paul II
Feast	27 February

Roger Filcock (also known as Arthur Naylor) was an English Jesuit priest. He lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was honored as a Catholic martyr by Pope John Paul II in 1987. This means the Catholic Church recognized him for dying for his faith.

Roger Filcock's Early Life

Roger Filcock was born in Sandwich, Kent, England. His parents were Simon and Margaret Lowe. When he was young, he went to study at the English College in Rheims, France, in 1581.

He continued his studies there. Later, he was one of the first students to go to a new seminary. This seminary was called St Alban's and was in Valladolid, Spain. He became a priest in 1597. Roger wanted to join the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. However, it was decided he should first gain experience as a priest.

Becoming a Priest in England

Roger Filcock traveled towards Calais, France, by ship. His ship was chased by Dutch ships. Many passengers jumped into the water to escape. They successfully reached the shore. Roger, however, was captured. But he managed to escape soon after.

He landed on the coast of Kent, England, in early 1598. To stay safe, he started using a different name, Arthur. He then began his work as a priest in England. In 1600, he was accepted to become a Jesuit by Henry Garnet.

Arrest and Trial

While waiting to go to Flanders for his Jesuit training, Roger was caught. A former student from his time in Valladolid betrayed him. Roger was then sent to Newgate prison in London.

In 1601, Roger Filcock was charged with being a priest. At that time, it was against the law to be a Catholic priest in England. He would not say if he was a priest or not. He asked for witnesses and proof. Since there was no proof, he went to trial. He heard the charges against him.

Roger asked not to have a jury. He knew the jury would find him guilty. He did not want that decision to be on their minds. Still, the judge told the jury to find him guilty. Roger Filcock was sentenced to death. This was for "high treason," which meant acting against the government.

A Friend and Martyr

During his time as a priest, Roger knew a woman named Anne Line. She had become Catholic. Her husband had died in another country after being caught at a Catholic Mass. Anne Line helped priests and other Catholics by providing safe places for them to stay. Roger Filcock had also been her confessor, meaning he heard her confessions.

On Candlemas Day in 1601, another priest, Francis Page, was about to celebrate Mass at Anne Line's home. Suddenly, people who hunted priests broke in. The priest escaped, but Anne Line was arrested. She was put on trial on February 26, 1601. She was charged with helping a priest.

Anne Line was found guilty. She was taken to the gallows the next day. She was executed at the same time as Dom Mark Barkworth, a Benedictine monk, and Roger Filcock. Roger had gone on trial on February 23. These were the first executions of Catholics at Tyburn since 1595.

Roger Filcock was later honored by Pope John Paul II. He was beatified on November 22, 1987.

See also

• Douai Martyrs