Woodfen, Nicholas, Bl.

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WOODFEN, NICHOLAS, BL.

Priest, martyr; alias Nicholas Wheeler; vere Wheeler; arraigned as Nicholas Devereux; b. c. 1550 at Leominster, Herefordshire, England; hanged, drawn, and quartered Jan. 27, 1586 at Tyburn (London). He studied at Douai and Rheims, where he was ordained (1581). Thereafter he immediately began his ministry in London, especially among the barristers of the Inns of Court. He was caught by pursuivants and convicted for his priesthood. Fr. Nicholas was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 22, 1987, with George Haydock and companions.

Feast of the English Martyrs: May 4 (England).

See Also: england, scotland, and wales, martyrs of.

Bibliography: r. challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, ed. j. h. pollen (rev. ed. London 1924). j. h. pollen, Acts of English Martyrs (London 1891).

[k. i. rabenstein]