Eustace White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintEustace White |
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Detail from a mural in the English Martyrs Parish in Derby. All martyrs who died on 10 December 1591. From left to right: Saints Swithun Wells, Edmund Gennings, Eustace White, and Polydore Plasden.
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| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1559 Louth, England |
| Died | 10 December 1591 (aged 31 - 32) Tyburn, London, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Canonized | 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI |
| Feast | 10 December (individual) 25 October (with the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales) 29 October (one of the Douai Martyrs) |
| Attributes | martyr's palm, noose in neck, crucifix |
Eustace White (1559 - 1591) was a Catholic priest from England. He lived during a time when practicing the Catholic faith was against the law in England. Because of his work as a priest, he was put on trial in December 1591. He was executed on December 10, 1591, in Tyburn, London. He is remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. In 1970, Pope Paul VI declared him a saint.
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The Life of Saint Eustace White
Eustace White was born in Louth, Lincolnshire, in 1559. He grew up in a Protestant family. In 1584, he decided to become a Roman Catholic. This decision was very difficult for him, and his father no longer supported him.
After his conversion, Eustace traveled to Europe. He wanted to study and become a priest. He was likely ordained, meaning he became a priest, in 1588. This happened at the Venerable English College, Rome.
Later that same year, he returned to England. This was the year of the Spanish Armada, a time when feelings against Catholics were very strong. Despite the dangers, Eustace began his work as a priest in England.
Why Saint Eustace White Was Arrested
About three years later, in 1591, Eustace White was arrested. He was caught after talking with another traveler in Dorset. He tried to defend himself well in court. However, he was sent to London and put in Bridewell Prison.
In October 1591, officials allowed him to be questioned very harshly. He was then put on trial in December 1591.
Saint Eustace White's Final Moments
Eustace White was executed on December 10, 1591, at Tyburn. He was executed along with another priest and three other men. Before he died, he showed great forgiveness. He prayed for those who had treated him cruelly.
At his execution, he told the crowd that his only "crime" was being a priest. He thanked God for his life and for the way it ended. He is remembered for his bravery and strong faith.
Remembering Saint Eustace White
Saint Eustace White is still honored today. There is a beautiful stained glass window dedicated to him. You can find it in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Louth. This is the town where he was born.
A book about his life has also been written. It is called Saint Eustace White: Elizabethan Priest and Martyr. It was written by Mark Vickers.
