Patrick Cavanagh (died 5 July 1581) is an Irish Catholic Martyr beatified

Beatification

Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...

 by Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II

Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...

 on 27 September 1992.

Martyrdom

Cavanagh was a layperson

Laity

In religious organizations, the laity comprises all people who are not in the clergy. A person who is a member of a religious order who is not ordained legitimate clergy is considered as a member of the laity, even though they are members of a religious order .In the past in Christian cultures, the...

 of the diocese of Ferns

Diocese of Ferns

Diocese of Ferns can refer to:*The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ferns*The Church of Ireland diocese of Ferns within the united Diocese of Cashel, Waterford, Lismore, Ossory, Ferns & Leighlin...

 during the reign of Elizabeth I. In 1581 Cavanagh, alongside five others, was found guilty of treason for aiding in the escape of Viscount Baltinglass

Viscount Baltinglass

The title of Viscount Baltinglass was created twice in the Peerage of Ireland.The first creation was made on 29 June 1541 for Sir Thomas Eustace, who had been created Baron Kilcullen in September 1535. Both titles became extinct in 1585 on the death of the third viscount.The second creation was...

 and refusing to acknowledge the English monarch as the head of the Church.

Patrick Cavanagh, a baker Matthew Lambert, and four fellow sailors including Robert Meyler and Edward Cheevers were hanged, drawn and quartered on 5 July 1581 in Wexford

Wexford

Wexford is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. It is situated near the southeastern corner of Ireland, close to Rosslare Europort. The town is connected to Dublin via the M11/N11 National Primary Route, and the national rail network...

. The group is known colletively as the Wexford Martyrs

Wexford Martyrs

The Wexford Martyrs were Matthew Lambert, Robert Tyler, Edward Cheevers, Patrick Cavanagh and two unknown individuals. In 1581, they were found guilty of treason for aiding in the escape of James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass and refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy and declare Elizabeth I of...

.