John Almond
John Almond was an English Catholic priest who suffered martyrdom in 1612. Ordained in 1598, he ministered to the faithful in England for ten years, speaking out against anti-Catholic powers. He is remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales and was canonized in 1970.
- Feast Day
- December 5
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Born around 1577 in Allerton, Liverpool.
- ›Ordained a priest in 1598 after studying at the English College in Rome.
- ›Returned to England as a missionary in 1602.
- ›Arrested in 1608 and again in 1612.
- ›Hanged, drawn, and quartered on December 5, 1612, at Tyburn, London.
- ›Canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970.
Lathom, Molyneux
Liverpool
About John Almond
John Almond (c. 1577 – 5 December 1612) was an English Catholic priest who suffered martyrdom and is venerated as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He was ordained in 1598 and canonized in 1970.
Early Life and Ordination
Born around 1577 in Allerton, Liverpool, John Almond spent his formative years in Lancashire. At the age of eight, he was taken to Ireland. Later, at twenty, he entered the English College in Rome, where he was ordained a priest. He concluded his studies with a public defense of philosophical and theological theses, receiving congratulations from Cardinals Caesar Baronius and Francesco Maria Tarugi.
Missionary Work and Martyrdom
Returning to England as a secular priest in 1602, Almond ministered to Catholics for ten years, actively opposing the state's anti-Catholic measures. He was arrested twice, in 1608 and again in 1612. During his imprisonment in November 1612, it was alleged he made a statement regarding absolution for those who had killed a king and later repented. Before his execution, he prayed, distributed alms, and delivered a final oration emphasizing the path to everlasting life through the proper use of this life. On the scaffold, he condemned regicide, discussed grace and repentance, and affirmed the authority of King James.
Veneration and Legacy
John Almond was hanged, drawn, and quartered on 5 December 1612, at Tyburn, London. Pope Paul VI canonized him on 25 October 1970. He is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on December 5th. A bone relic of Almond is housed in the Martyrs' crypt at Tyburn Convent, London. He is recognized as the patron saint of Liverpool. A historical study, "Saint John Almond and the Society of His Time," by Kenneth Alfred Almond, explores his life within its historical context. A Catholic comprehensive school in Garston, Liverpool, was named in his honor, first as Blessed John Almond School and later as St John Almond Catholic High School, now known as The Academy of St Nicholas.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Almond born and where?
John Almond was born around 1577 in Allerton, Liverpool. He spent his childhood there and at Much Woolton, Lancashire.
What was John Almond's religious training?
At the age of twenty, John Almond went to the English College in Rome, where he was ordained as a priest in 1598.
When and how did John Almond die?
John Almond was hanged, drawn, and quartered on December 5, 1612, at Tyburn, London, England. He suffered martyrdom for his faith.
What is John Almond best known for?
John Almond is best known as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He ministered as a Catholic priest in England and spoke out against anti-Catholic policies, ultimately leading to his execution.
When was John Almond canonized?
John Almond was canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, along with the other Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
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