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Feast Day: January 21
Death: January 1, 21
Blessed Nicholas Woodfen, also known as Nicholas Wheeler, was born around 1550 in Leominster, Herefordshire, England. He studied in Rheims, France, where he was ordained as a priest. After completing his studies, Nicholas returned to London, England, with a special mission to minister to covert Catholics at the Inns of Court.
To protect his identity and evade persecution, Nicholas adopted the name Woodfen and dressed like a lawyer while residing in Fleet Street. This disguise allowed him to move about freely and minister to the faithful without drawing too much attention to his true vocation as a priest. Despite the constant danger he faced, Nicholas remained dedicated to his mission, providing spiritual guidance and sacraments to those in need.
Unfortunately, the authorities eventually discovered Nicholas's true identity and arrested him for the crime of being a Catholic priest. He was subjected to brutal torture and imprisonment for his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith. In the face of persecution, Nicholas maintained his steadfast belief and refused to renounce his religious convictions.
On January 21, 1586, Nicholas Woodfen was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn in London. His martyrdom serves as a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to his calling as a priest. Nicholas, along with many other Catholics who suffered persecution during the same period, is recognized as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Recognizing his martyrdom and the sacrifice he made for his faith, Pope John Paul II issued a decree of martyrdom on November 10, 1986, in which Nicholas Woodfen was officially venerated. Later, on November 22, 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified Nicholas, acknowledging his sanctity and honoring his legacy as a martyr for the Catholic Church.
Blessed Nicholas Woodfen remains an inspiration to all who face persecution and adversity in their commitment to their faith. His courage and selflessness continue to be celebrated and remembered on his feast day, which is observed on both January 21 and November 22 as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales. Additionally, he is also commemorated on October 29 as one of the Martyrs of Douai.