John Thulis facts for kids

John Thulis (sometimes spelled Thules or Thewlis) was an English Roman Catholic priest who lived from about 1568 to 1616. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr, which means he died because of his strong religious beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized him as "Blessed" in 1987.

The Life of John Thulis

Early Life and Education

John Thulis was born in a place called Up Holland in Lancashire, England, around the year 1568. We know this because his baptism was recorded on December 28, 1568. He was the son of a man named William.

When he was about 15 years old, John went to study at the English College in Reims, France, in 1583. This college was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests. While there, he received a special haircut called a tonsure, which was a step towards becoming a priest.

Becoming a Priest

In 1590, John Thulis moved to Rome, Italy, to continue his studies. There, he became an ordained priest. This meant he was officially ready to serve the Catholic Church. In 1592, he was sent back to England to work as a priest, even though it was a difficult time for Catholics in England.

Challenges and Arrest

Being a Catholic priest in England during this period was very dangerous. The government often saw Catholic priests as a threat. John Thulis was held as a prisoner at Wisbech Castle for some time.

Later, he went to work in his home county of Lancashire. However, he was arrested by a powerful person named William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby. After his arrest, John Thulis was taken to Lancaster Castle, which was a prison.

His Martyrdom

John Thulis died on March 18, 1616, at the age of 48, in Lancaster. He is remembered as a martyr because he died for his faith. His story and some of his own poems were later written down in a book called Acts of the English Martyrs.

See Also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs
• Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales