Thomas Bullaker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Thomas Bullaker aka "John Baptist" Bullaker OFM
Martyr
Born	c. 1604 Chichester, England
Died	12 October 1642 (aged 37 - 38) Tyburn, London, England
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II
Feast	12 October; 22 November

Thomas Bullaker (also known as John Baptist) was an English Franciscan Catholic priest. He was born around 1604 in Chichester, England. He died on October 12, 1642, in Tyburn, London. He is honored as a Catholic martyr and was declared "Blessed" in 1987.

Early Life and Studies

Thomas Bullaker was the only son of a doctor in Chichester. His parents were very religious Catholics. When he was young, he went to a special school called the English College at St-Omer. This school was for English students who wanted to study in Europe.

After St-Omer, he continued his education in Valladolid, Spain. There, he decided he wanted to join the Franciscan Order. This is a group of Catholic religious people who follow the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Becoming a Priest

In 1628, Thomas Bullaker became a priest. He then left Spain to return to England. His goal was to help Catholics there. When he arrived in Plymouth, he was immediately arrested and put in prison.

After two weeks, he was set free. He then worked for almost twelve years in London. He helped many poor Catholics in the city.

Arrest and Martyrdom

On September 11, 1642, Thomas Bullaker was arrested again. This happened while he was leading a Mass service. He was in the home of a kind woman who supported him.

He was found guilty because of his religious beliefs. He was sentenced to a very harsh punishment. He was taken to Tyburn and executed for his faith. He is remembered as a brave person who stood up for what he believed in.