The 4 Blessed Wexford Martyrs | |
|---|---|
| Born | unknown |
| Died | 5 July 1581 AD Wexford town |
| Cause of death | martyrdom (hanged, drawn and quartered) |
| Beatified | 1992 by Saint Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 20 June |
| Patronage | Wexford town, sailors |
The Wexford Martyrs were Matthew Lambert, Robert Meyler, Edward Cheevers and Patrick Cavanagh. In 1581, they were found guilty of high treason for aiding in the escape of James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass; for similarly conveying a Jesuit and other Catholic priests and laymen out of Ireland; and for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy which declared Elizabeth I of England to be the Supreme Head of the Church within her dominions. On 5 July 1581, they were hanged, drawn and quartered in Wexford, Ireland. They were beatified in 1992 by Pope John Paul II.[1]