Douai Martyrs facts for kids

The Douai Martyrs is a name given by the Catholic Church to 158 Catholic priests. These priests were trained at the English College in Douai, France. They were executed by the English government between 1577 and 1680.

Why Were They Called Martyrs?

After finishing their training in Douai, many of these priests went back to England and Wales. Their goal was to serve the Catholic people there. However, during this time, England had changed its official religion. Being a Catholic priest was seen as a threat to the Queen.

Under a law called the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584, simply being a priest in England was considered a very serious crime, known as high treason. The government thought these priests were working for the Pope to try and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I.

Because of this, many priests were arrested. They were accused of treason and planning against the Queen. This often led to torture and execution. In total, 158 members of Douai College died as martyrs between 1577 and 1680.

The first priest to be executed was Cuthbert Mayne. He died in Launceston, Cornwall on November 29, 1577. The last was Thomas Thwing, who was executed in York in October 1680. Each time the College heard about another execution, they held a special Mass to give thanks.

Many brave people in England also risked their lives to help these priests. Helping them was also against the law. A number of these "seminary priests" from Douai were executed at a special gallows in Tyburn. This area is now near Marble Arch in London. There is a plaque at 8 Hyde Park Place that remembers the Catholic martyrs executed there.

Honoring the Martyrs

Many of these martyrs have been officially recognized by the Catholic Church.

• 14 were declared "Blessed" in 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
• 62 more were declared "Blessed" in 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
• Another 56 were declared "Blessed" in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.
• In 1970, 20 of them were declared "Saints" by Pope Paul VI.

Today, Catholic areas in Britain celebrate their feast day on October 29.

List of Douai Martyrs

A school called The Douay Martyrs School in Ickenham, Middlesex is named in their honor.

See also

• Douai Bible
• Douai, France
• List of Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation