Henry Heath (martyr) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Henry Heath aka "Paul of St. Magdalene" OFM
Martyr
Born	baptized 16 December 1599 St. John's, Peterborough, England
Died	17 April 1643 (aged 42) Newgate, England
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Feast	17 April, 22 November (with the Martyrs of England and Wales

Henry Heath (1599–1643) was an English priest. He was also known by his religious name, Paul of St. Magdalene. He belonged to the Order of Friars Minor, also called the Franciscans. Henry Heath is remembered as a martyr of the Roman Catholic Church. A martyr is someone who dies for their religious beliefs.

Henry Heath's Early Life and Studies

Henry Heath was born in 1599. He was baptized on December 16, 1599, in Peterborough, England. His father's name was John Heath.

Henry went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1621. After graduating, he worked as the college librarian.

In 1622, Henry Heath became a member of the Roman Catholic Church. This was a big decision at a time when being Catholic in England could be dangerous. He then went to the English College at Douai. This was a special school in France where English Catholics could train to become priests. In 1625, he joined the Franciscan community there. He took the name Paul of St. Magdalen.

Returning to England

In early 1643, Henry Heath wanted to return to England. He wanted to serve as a priest there, which was called the "English mission." It was very difficult to get permission to go.

He traveled from Dunkirk, France, to Dover, England. He disguised himself as a sailor to avoid being recognized. A German gentleman paid for his boat trip. The gentleman also offered him more money for his journey. However, Henry Heath refused the money. He wanted to live simply, like Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscans. He chose to walk from Dover to London and asked for food along the way.

Arrest and Trial

On the very night he arrived in London, Henry Heath was resting on a doorstep. The owner of the house saw him and thought he was a thief. Henry was arrested and taken to the Compter Prison.

When the authorities searched him, they found papers in his cap. These papers showed that he was a Catholic priest. The next day, he was brought before the Lord Mayor, a high official. Henry confessed that he was a priest. He was then sent to Newgate Prison.

Soon after, a group from Parliament questioned him. He again admitted he was a priest. At that time, there was a law called the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584. This law made it illegal for Catholic priests to be in England. Henry Heath was charged under this law.

His Death and Legacy

While in prison, Henry Heath helped another prisoner. This prisoner was also going to be executed. Henry helped him find peace before his death.

Henry Heath was executed on April 17, 1643, at Tyburn. He died for his beliefs.

Henry Heath is one of the eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. These are people who died for their Catholic faith in England and Wales. Pope John Paul II officially recognized him as "Blessed" on November 22, 1987. This means he is honored by the Catholic Church.

There is a beautiful stained glass window of Henry Heath. You can find it in the Our Lady of Lourdes church in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs