Richard Reynolds (martyr) facts for kids

Saint Richard Reynolds (born around 1492 – died May 4, 1535) was an English monk from the Bridgettine order. He was put to death in London because he refused to accept King Henry VIII of England as the supreme head of the Church in England. This refusal was known as denying the Oath of Supremacy. Later, in 1970, Pope Paul VI recognized him as a saint. He is remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Who Was Richard Reynolds?

Richard Reynolds was a dedicated monk of the Bridgettine order. He lived at Syon Abbey, a monastery founded by King Henry V in Twickenham, England. Richard was born in Devon around 1492. He studied at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and became a monk at Syon Abbey in 1513. He was known for being very smart and learned. A famous person named Reginald Pole once said that Richard was the only English monk who knew three important languages well: Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.

A Time of Change: King Henry VIII

Richard Reynolds was a respected spiritual guide at Syon Abbey. Because of his wisdom, people believed he might have advised Elizabeth Barton, known as the "Holy Maid of Kent." Elizabeth Barton had faced serious trouble for speaking against King Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn. Richard had even helped arrange a meeting between Elizabeth Barton and Thomas More. This connection made the king's officials very suspicious of Richard Reynolds.

Standing Firm for His Beliefs

In April 1535, Richard Reynolds was arrested and sent to the Tower of London. He was imprisoned with three other monks: John Houghton, Robert Lawrence, and Augustine Webster. They were all put on trial for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church in England. This was known as denying the "royal supremacy."

Richard also faced accusations of trying to convince people not to follow the king's new authority. A witness claimed Richard had said that Queen Catherine, the king's first wife, was still the true queen. Richard said he had not spoken against the king, except in private confession. During this time, people were sometimes encouraged to report on what others said, even in private.

On May 4, 1535, Richard Reynolds and his companions faced severe punishment in London. They were put to death for their beliefs and for going against the king's new laws. John Haile, a local priest, also suffered the same fate that day. He too had spoken against the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn.

William Roper, who wrote about Thomas More's life, described a moment when More saw Richard Reynolds and his friends going to their deaths from his window in the Tower of London. More told his daughter, "Look, Meg, these blessed fathers are going to their deaths as cheerfully as bridegrooms to their marriage." He meant that their strong faith helped them face their end peacefully.

Before his death, Richard Reynolds is said to have remarked, "after a sharp breakfast, they should have a sweet supper." This phrase suggests a hopeful outlook, even in difficult times.

His Legacy and Recognition

Richard Reynolds was recognized for his strong faith and courage. He was declared "blessed" (beatified) in 1886. Then, on October 25, 1970, Pope Paul VI officially made him a saint. He is honored as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His special day of remembrance, or feast day, is May 4th each year.

Honored in Art and Education

Today, you can find many tributes to Saint Richard Reynolds.

• A statue of him stands in Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget Roman Catholic Church in Isleworth.
• A painting of him is kept in the Church of St. Bridget in Rome.
• There is a beautiful stained glass window featuring him in St Etheldreda's Church in Ely Place. He is shown on the right side of the window.
• A part of the old Syon Abbey is kept as a special reminder of him. The nuns of the Abbey preserved this piece after the monastery was closed down.
• He is the patron saint of St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham. This college includes both a high school and a primary school for students aged 4 to 18.

See also

• Syon Abbey
• Forty Martyrs of England and Wales