A portrait of St. Robert Southwell
St. Robert Southwell
c. 1561 – 1595
Feast
February 21 · XVI c.
Patron of
Poets · Writers · English martyrs · Jesuits
Order
Priest / Jesuit / Martyr / Poet
English Jesuit poet and martyr (c. 1561-1595), Norfolk gentleman trained at Douai and Rome; secretly returned to England in 1586, served the Catholic remnant for six years before betrayal and arrest. Tortured by Richard Topcliffe over three years, hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. Renowned Metaphysical poet ("The Burning Babe"). One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales canonized 1970 by Paul VI.
Life & Times
Born: c. 1561 · Died: 1595 · From: England.
Patronage
St. Robert Southwell is invoked as the patron of poets, writers, english martyrs, jesuits. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Robert Southwell, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.