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Feast Day: August 7
Death: August 1, 7
Blessed Thomas Whitaker, also known as Thomas Starkie, was born around 1612 in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He was the son of Thomas, a schoolmaster, and Helen. From a young age, Thomas displayed a deep devotion to his Catholic faith.
Seeking to deepen his knowledge and commitment to Catholicism, Thomas pursued his studies at Saint Omer in France and then in Valladolid, Spain. It was in Valladolid that he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1638.
Filled with zeal for his newfound vocation, Father Thomas Whitaker returned to his native England, specifically to Lancashire, where he dedicated himself to the covert Catholic community. For five years, he tirelessly ministered to the spiritual needs of his fellow Catholics, providing them with the sacraments and guidance during a time when Catholicism was outlawed in England.
However, his devotion to the Catholic cause did not go unnoticed by the authorities. On 7 August 1643, Father Thomas was arrested, accused of being a priest, a crime that carried severe penalties during the anti-Catholic persecution of the time. He was subsequently imprisoned and endured three years of confinement until 1646 when he was condemned to death.
On 7 August 1646, at the young age of 34, Blessed Thomas Whitaker faced a gruesome execution. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered in Lancaster, England, bravely offering his life as a martyr for the Catholic faith. His unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs and his selfless dedication to serving the needs of his fellow Catholics during those tumultuous times solidified his place among the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Blessed Thomas Whitaker's feast days are celebrated on 7 August, the day of his martyrdom, as well as on 22 November, along with the other Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales. His martyrdom was officially recognized by the Catholic Church on 10 November 1986 when Pope John Paul II issued a decree of martyrdom. A year later, on 22 November 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him, publicly acknowledging his heroic virtue and ensuring his formal recognition as a blessed.
Blessed Thomas Whitaker stands as a shining example of unwavering faith and devotion to the Catholic Church, even in the face of persecution. His sacrifice serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to live their faith authentically and courageously, even in the most challenging of circumstances.