Blessed Arthur Bell: The Franciscan Martyr of England | Saint Story for Kids (December 11th
Blessed Arthur Bell (1590–1643), known in the Franciscan Order as Father Francis, was an English priest who courageously served the Church during one of the most dangerous times for Catholics in England. After studying and joining the Franciscans in Spain, he returned secretly to England to help restore the Franciscan presence, teach the faith, and support hidden Catholic communities. But during the English Civil War, simply being a Catholic priest was considered a crime. Father Francis was arrested in 1643 under suspicion of being a spy. Even though the accusations were false, he openly admitted that he was a Catholic priest. Because of this, he was condemned and executed at Tyburn — the same place where many English martyrs gave their lives. In this child-friendly episode, kids will learn: Why Blessed Arthur Bell risked everything to serve God
What it meant to be a priest during persecution in England
How his Franciscan spirit of peace and humility inspired others
Why he was beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1987 His story reminds us that God strengthens those who stand firm in their faith — even in the most challenging times.
St Joseph's Corner
Francis Bell
Memorial
11 December
22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
Profile
Studied at Saint Omer and at the Royal College of Saint Alban, Valladolid, Spain. Ordained in Salamanca, Spain in 1618. Joined the Franciscans in 1618. Worked in Douai and Gravelines in France, and Brussels, Belgium. He returned to England to minister to covert Catholics in 1634. Arrested and condemned to death for the crime of being a priest. One of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Born
13 January 1590 in Temple Broughton, Worcestershire, England
Died
hanged, drawn, and quartered on 11 December 1643 at Tyburn, London, England
Venerated
10 November 1986 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)
Beatified
22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II