Blessed Nicholas Postgate

Biography

Blessed Nicholas Postgate, also known as Blessed Nicholas Tichborne, was an English Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving covert Catholics during a time of persecution in England. Born in 1597 in Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire, England, he grew up in a devout Catholic family and studied at the English College in Valladolid, Spain.

After his ordination as a priest, Blessed Nicholas returned to England in order to minister to the secret Catholic population. He served in the apostolic vicariate of England, which aimed to provide spiritual support to Catholics during a time when practicing the Catholic faith was illegal and heavily penalized. Blessed Nicholas spent over 50 years as a priest, faithfully fulfilling his ministry despite the constant danger and risk of arrest.

During his years of service, Blessed Nicholas traveled around the countryside, often on horseback, ministering to the hidden Catholic communities. He celebrated Mass in secret, administered the sacraments, and offered spiritual guidance to those facing persecution for their faith. Despite the constant threat of capture, Blessed Nicholas was renowned for his courage and perseverance in bringing the sacraments to the faithful.

However, in 1678, during a time of heightened anti-Catholic sentiment and a wave of accusations known as the "Popish Plot," Blessed Nicholas was finally apprehended. He was arrested during Mass in the village of Little Beck, near Whitby, at the age of 82. After a brief imprisonment, Blessed Nicholas was brought to trial, accused of being a Catholic priest and practicing his faith in defiance of the law.

Despite his old age and failing health, Blessed Nicholas showed unwavering determination throughout his trial. He fearlessly defended his Catholic faith and refused to renounce his priesthood or reveal the identities of other Catholics involved in the underground Church. Consequently, he was found guilty of being a Catholic priest and immediately condemned to death.

On August 7, 1679, Blessed Nicholas Postgate was executed by being hanged, drawn, and quartered in York, North Yorkshire, England. He embraced martyrdom with great courage and faith, becoming one of the many Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales. His feast day is celebrated on November 22nd, alongside other English Catholic martyrs.

Blessed Nicholas Postgate was formally recognized for his martyrdom and venerated on November 10, 1986, by Pope John Paul II, who declared the decree of martyrdom. On November 22, 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his heroic witness to the Catholic faith and his selfless dedication to the Catholic community in England. Today, Blessed Nicholas Postgate is remembered as a model of steadfastness, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of persecution.