Nicholas Woodfen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nicholas Woodfen |
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|---|---|
| Born | ca. 1550, Leominster, Herefordshire |
| Died | 21 January 1586 (aged 35–36), Tyburn, Middlesex |
| Means of martyrdom | Hanged, drawn and quartered |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987, by Pope John Paul II |
Nicholas Woodfen was an English Roman Catholic priest. He was born around 1550 as Nicholas Wheeler. He was also known as Nicholas Devereux.
He was put to death in London on January 21, 1586. Many Catholics consider him a martyr. He is one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. These people were executed between 1584 and 1679. Pope John Paul II declared him "blessed" on November 22, 1987.
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The Life of Nicholas Woodfen
Nicholas Wheeler was born in Leominster, Herefordshire. This was around the year 1550. He went to school at the Leominster Grammar School.
Studying to Become a Priest
Wheeler likely went to the English College in Douai. This was in April 1577. When the college moved to Rheims in 1579, he changed his last name to Woodfen.
Woodfen became a priest on March 25, 1581. He was ordained by the Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne.
Returning to England
In June of that year, he went back to England. He worked as a missionary in London. He taught about his faith in places like the Inns of Court.
He was later arrested. He was accused of a serious crime against the government. He was named Nicholas Devereux in the official papers. This was under a law called the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584.
On January 21, 1586, he was executed in London. This happened at a place called Tyburn. He was put to death along with Edward Stransham. They were executed because they were priests and for their missionary work.
Honoring Nicholas Woodfen
Nicholas Woodfen was honored by the Catholic Church.
Beatification by Pope John Paul II
On November 10, 1986, Pope John Paul II recognized him. The Pope then declared him "blessed" on November 22, 1987. This process is called beatification.
See also
