Thomas Holland (Jesuit) facts for kids

Thomas Holland was an English Jesuit priest born around 1600 in Sutton, Lancashire. He became a Catholic martyr, which means he died for his faith. In 1929, he was beatified, a step towards becoming a saint in the Catholic Church. He was executed in London on December 12, 1642.

His Life Story

Early Years and Education

Thomas Holland was born in Lancashire, England, around the year 1600. He went to school at the English College in St. Omer's, which was a special school for English Catholic students. Later, in 1621, he continued his studies at the English College, Valladolid in Spain.

In 1623, there were important talks happening about a possible marriage between Prince Charles of England and a Spanish princess. This was called the "Spanish Match". Thomas Holland was sent to Madrid to tell Prince Charles that the students at his college were loyal. He gave a speech in Latin to show their support.

Becoming a Priest

In 1624, Thomas Holland joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. This was a religious group within the Catholic Church. He began his training period, called a novitiate, in Watten, which is now in Belgium. Not long after, he became a Catholic priest in Liège.

On December 29, 1633, he took a special promise to be a missionary. This meant he would travel to spread his faith. He worked in different roles, including as a leader in Ghent and at St. Omer's College. People called him bibliotheca pietatis, which means "Library of Piety," because he knew so much about living a good and holy life.

Returning to England

In 1634, he made his final religious promises. The next year, he was sent to England to work as a priest. This was a difficult and dangerous time for Catholics in England. He hoped the change would also help his health.

Thomas Holland worked secretly in London. He sometimes used different names, like Saunderson or Hammond, to avoid being caught. He was very good at changing his appearance and could speak French, Spanish, and Flemish perfectly. Because people called "priest-hunters" were looking for Catholic priests, he had to stay indoors during the day. He could only travel at night. Sadly, his health did not get better.

Arrest and Trial

On October 4, 1642, Thomas Holland was arrested in a London street. He was coming back from visiting someone who was sick. He was first taken to the New Prison, and later moved to Newgate.

On December 7, he was brought to court at the Old Bailey. He was accused of being a priest. There wasn't strong proof, but he refused to swear that he was not a priest. Because he wouldn't deny it, the jury found him guilty. Even the Lord Mayor, Isaac Penington, and another judge were upset by this decision.

On December 10, he was sentenced. Back in prison, Thomas Holland heard many confessions from other prisoners.

His Final Moments

Some Capuchin friends helped him by secretly bringing in supplies. This allowed him to celebrate Mass one last time. Soon after his last Mass, he was taken away for his execution.

At the execution site, he was allowed to speak and say many prayers. When the cart he was standing on was pulled away, he was left to hang until he died.

Images for kids

• Melchior küsel-thomas holland.jpg

  Thomas Holland is quartered at Tyburn. Matthias Tanner, Societas Jesu usque ad sanguinis et vitae profusionem militans, Prague, 1675.