Blessed Richard Sergeant

Biography

Blessed Richard Sergeant, also known as Richard Lee, Richard Long, Richard Lea, or Richard Longe, was born around 1558 in Gloucestershire, England. He was the son of Thomas and Katherine Sergeant.

Richard received a higher education and graduated from Oxford University circa 1570. After completing his studies, he relocated to Rheims, France, where he joined the English College as a seminarian on 25 July 1581. He displayed great dedication and commitment to his vocation, and on 9 June 1582, Richard was ordained as a deacon at Soissons, France. Subsequently, he was ordained as a priest on 7 April 1583 in Laon, France.

Richard felt a strong calling to return to his native England to minister to covert Catholics who were facing religious persecution during this tumultuous period in English history. To preserve his safety, he concealed his true identity, using the aliases Richard Lee or Lea, and Richard Long or Longe.

During his time in England, Richard operated clandestinely, providing spiritual support and celebrating Mass for the hidden Catholic community. However, his courageous efforts did not go unnoticed by the authorities, and he was eventually apprehended for the crime of being a priest.

Blessed Richard Sergeant endured imprisonment and harsh interrogations but remained steadfast in his faith. On 2 April 1586, he was executed by being hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, London, England. His martyrdom was a result of his refusal to renounce his beliefs or betray the underground Catholic network.

Recognizing his steadfast commitment to the Catholic faith and his ultimate sacrifice, Pope John Paul II declared Richard Sergeant venerable on 10 November 1986. He was officially beatified on 22 November 1987.

Blessed Richard Sergeant is commemorated and honored on several feast days, including 20 April and 22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales, 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, and 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.

Through his unwavering faith and dedication to the Catholic Church, Blessed Richard Sergeant serves as an inspiring example of courage and devotion for all believers.