Luke Kirby (priest)

Luke Kirby (born 15 July 1549, died 30 May 1582) was an English Roman Catholic priest who was executed for treason during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Kirby was born in Richmond, Yorkshire. He studied at Cambridge University, initially conforming to the established Church of England. However, he later converted to Catholicism and traveled to Douai in France to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1577 and returned to England as a missionary priest.

During his time in England, Kirby ministered to Catholics in secret, offering Mass and hearing confessions. He was eventually arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was accused of conspiring to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I, a charge that he denied.

Kirby was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. He was executed at Tyburn on 30 May 1582, along with William Filby, Thomas Cottam, and Laurence Richardson.

Luke Kirby was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. He is considered a martyr by the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on May 30th.