William Southerne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedWilliam Southerne |
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Portrait in the Royal English College in Valladolid
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1569 Ketton, near Darlington, County Durham, England |
| Died | 30 April 1618 (aged 48 - 49) Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 30 April, 22 November, 29 October |
William Southerne was an English Roman Catholic priest who lived a long time ago. He was executed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, on April 30, 1618. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr, which means he died for his beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized him as 'Blessed' in 1987.
Life of William Southerne
Early Life and Education
William Southerne was born around 1569 in Ketton, a small place near Darlington in County Durham, England. When he grew up, he decided to become a priest.
He studied at two important colleges for English Catholics. These were the English College at Douai in France and the Royal English College, Valladolid in Spain. These colleges helped train priests during a time when being Catholic in England was very difficult.
Ministry and Challenges
After becoming a priest, William Southerne went back to England. He served the Catholic community in Northumberland, a county in the northern part of England.
During this time, the English government had strict laws against Catholic priests. They also required people to take an oath of allegiance. This oath declared loyalty to the King and rejected the Pope's authority.
His Execution
William Southerne was arrested because he was a Catholic priest. He refused to take the oath of allegiance, as it went against his religious beliefs. For this, he was sentenced to death.
On April 30, 1618, he was executed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He died because he stayed true to his faith and his role as a priest.
