Blessed John Thules

Biography

Blessed John Thules, also known as John Thulis, was a courageous Catholic priest who served as a minister during the persecutions of James I in England. He was born around 1568 in Upholland, Lancashire, England. From an early age, Blessed John felt a calling to the priesthood and dedicated his life to serving the Catholic community.

During this time, being a Catholic priest was particularly dangerous as Catholics were subjected to persecution and harsh penalties under the reign of James I. Catholicism was seen as a threat to the official Church of England, and priests like Blessed John faced constant threats to their lives.

Blessed John Thules embraced his mission to support covert Catholics, who sought to practice their faith in secret during this perilous period. He ministered to these individuals, providing them with spiritual guidance, sacraments, and support in their devotion to the Catholic Church. His ministry offered solace and strength to those who faced persecution for their religious beliefs.

Despite the obvious risks, Blessed John Thules fearlessly traveled throughout Lancashire, offering the Catholic sacraments, celebrating Mass in secret, and providing comfort to those who sought his guidance. His dedication and unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith earned him the deep respect and admiration of the Catholic community.

Unfortunately, his clandestine activities eventually drew the attention of the authorities. On March 18, 1616, Blessed John Thules was arrested in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. He was charged with the crime of being a Catholic priest, which was considered a treasonous act at the time.

Despite facing a trial that was undoubtedly unfair and biased, Blessed John remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce his beliefs. He was sentenced to death and martyred for his refusal to abandon his priesthood.

Blessed John Thules, along with many other Catholic martyrs, is celebrated on the 22nd of November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales. He is also honored on the 29th of October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, a group of seminary priests who were trained in Douai, France, and later returned to England to serve the Catholic community.

Recognizing his courage and sacrifice, Pope John Paul II venerated Blessed John Thules on the 10th of November 1986, decreeing his martyrdom. A year later, on the 22nd of November 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, commemorating his status as a blessed martyr of the Church.

Blessed John Thules' unwavering dedication to preserving the Catholic faith, even in the face of persecution, serves as an inspiration to all believers. His life and martyrdom are a testament to the strength of the Catholic community during a tumultuous period in English history.