John Cornelius (priest) facts for kids

John Cornelius (Irish: Seán Conchobhar Ó Mathghamhna), born around 1557, was an Irish Catholic priest and a Jesuit. He was born in Cornwall, England. He is known as a Catholic martyr. This means he died because of his religious beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized him as "blessed" in 1929.

Early Life and Education

John Cornelius was born John Conor O’Mahony in 1557. His parents were from Gaelic Ireland. He was born in Bodmin, Cornwall. This was on the land of Sir John Arundell. John O'Mahony later changed his middle name to Cornelius. Sir John Arundell noticed the boy's intelligence. He helped him attend Exeter College, Oxford university.

Cornelius then went to a seminary in Reims. A seminary is a school for training priests. On April 1, 1580, he joined the English College, Rome. There he studied theology. He became a priest in 1583.

A Dangerous Mission

After becoming a priest, John Cornelius was sent to England. His mission was to serve Catholics there. At this time, being a Catholic priest in England was against the law. He worked for almost ten years. Sir John Arundell's home became his main base. He served as the family's priest. He became very close to Dorothy Arundell. He encouraged her to become a nun.

Arrest and Trial

On April 24, 1594, John Cornelius was arrested. He was serving Lady Anne Arundell, Sir John's widow. The arrest happened at Chideock Castle. A servant named William Holmes betrayed him. Holmes was upset because Cornelius had told him off.

On the way, Thomas Bosgrave met them. He was a relative of the Arundell family. Cornelius had been dragged out without his hat. Bosgrave offered him his own hat. Because of this kind act, Bosgrave was also arrested. Two servants from the castle were also arrested. They were John Carey and Patrick Salmon. They were from Dublin.

When they reached the sheriff's house, some Anglican priests spoke badly about the Catholic faith. But the sheriff stopped the argument.

John Cornelius was sent to London. He was questioned by important leaders. They included the Lord Treasurer and the Archbishop of Canterbury. They tried to make him name people who had helped him. They used threats and torture to get information.

He was then sent back to Dorchester. John Cornelius was accused of high treason. This was because he was a priest and had returned to England. This was against a law called the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584. The others were accused of felony. This meant they had helped someone they knew was a priest. All of them were told their lives would be saved if they became Protestant. While in prison, John Cornelius officially joined the Society of Jesus.

The Chideock Martyrs

The trial took place on July 2, 1594. It was held in what is now Chideock House Hotel. All four men were sentenced to death. They were executed in Dorchester two days later, on July 4.

First, John Carey went to the scaffold. He kissed the rope. He said, "O precious collar." He declared his faith and died bravely.

Next, Patrick Salmon spoke to the crowd. He told them to become Catholic. He said he and his friends were dying for their faith.

Then came Thomas Bosgrave. He gave a powerful speech about his beliefs.

Finally, John Cornelius was the last to suffer. He kissed the gallows. He quoted St. Andrew, saying, "O good Cross, long desired." On the ladder, he tried to speak to the crowd. But he was stopped. He prayed for those who were executing him. He also prayed for the queen. Then, John Cornelius was executed. His body was taken down and cut into four parts. His head was put on a pole. But it was soon removed. Lady Arundell got all the bodies back. She gave them a proper burial. Dorothy Arundell did become a nun. She wrote a book called "Life of Father Cornelius the Martyr." This book was kept in the Vatican, but it is now lost.

These executed men became known as the Chideock Martyrs. A fifth man, Hugh Green, became Chideock's chaplain later. He was tried and executed in 1642. All five men were declared "blessed" on December 15, 1929.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs