Richard Sergeant facts for kids
Richard Sergeant was an English Catholic priest who lived a long time ago. He was executed in London in 1586 because of his faith. The Catholic Church later recognized him as a martyr, which means someone who died for their beliefs. He was declared "blessed" in 1987.
Contents
Richard Sergeant's Story
Early Life and Priesthood
Richard Sergeant was likely born in Stone, a town in Gloucestershire, England. He went to the University of Oxford to study. After his studies, he traveled to the English College in Reims, France, in 1581. This college was a place where English Catholics could train to become priests.
He became a subdeacon in April 1582. He was ordained a deacon in June 1582. Then, he became a priest in April 1583. He celebrated his first Mass soon after. In September 1583, he decided to return to England.
Facing Challenges
When Richard Sergeant came back to England, it was against the law to be a Catholic priest. The government at the time did not allow Catholic priests to be in the country. He was arrested in April 1586. He was accused of being a priest and returning to England.
William Thomson's Journey
Richard Sergeant was not alone in his fate. Another priest, William Thomson, was also arrested and executed with him. William Thomson was from Blackburn, Lancashire. He also studied at the English College in Reims, starting in 1583.
William Thomson became a priest in Reims in March 1584. He worked mostly in London. He was arrested while saying Mass in a house in Bishopsgate.
Both priests were executed on April 20, 1586. They were executed because they were Catholic priests. It was against the law for them to be in England at that time, according to a law from 1584.
Honored for Their Faith
Both Richard Sergeant and William Thomson were later honored by the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II declared them "blessed" in 1987. Their lives are remembered on May 4th each year.
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