Blesseds John Sugar (Suker) and Robert Grissold († 1604)
Although in his earlier years John Sugar, of Wombourne, England, embraced Protestantism, becoming a Protestant minister, he tok exception to the Protstant monarchy’s anti-papal oath of supremacy. Ultimately John became a Catholic, journeying to the continent after his conversion to study for the priesthood. Following his ordination in 1601, Father Sugar returned to his native region of west central England to begin his priestly ministry there. In July 1603, he was captured together with a farmhand assisting him, Robert Grissold, a native of Rowington. The two were held in prison for a year before being sentenced. Father Sugar was condemned to be drawn and quartered for being a priest. Robert was condemned to be hung for refusing to attend a Protestant church service and for helping Father Sugar. Both were put to death on July 16, 1604.
