St. Andrew Wouters

St. Andrew Wouters was a Dutch priest and one of the Martyrs of Gorkum, killed for his Catholic faith in 1572. Despite personal failings, he refused to renounce his beliefs, dying as a witness to God’s mercy and truth.

St. Andrew Wouters was born on October 1, 1542, in the Netherlands during a time of intense religious conflict and political upheaval. The Protestant Reformation had begun to sweep across Europe, and in many places, Catholic clergy found themselves under threat, both for their religious allegiance and for the role they played in society.

Wouters entered the priesthood and was ordained a diocesan priest in the Netherlands. While records show he was not a model of moral perfection—he was known to have struggled with chastity—he maintained a sincere devotion to his faith and his ministry. He was stationed in Heinenoord in South Holland when the anti-Catholic violence began to escalate.

In 1572, the Calvinist-led Sea Beggars, a group of rebel Dutch privateers and anti-Spanish fighters, captured the town of Gorkum and arrested several Catholic clergy, including Wouters. Their aim was to suppress Catholicism, and they specifically targeted priests who upheld the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Eucharist and allegiance to the Pope.

Despite the chance to save his life by renouncing the Pope and Catholic teachings, Wouters refused. His captors reportedly reminded him of his personal sins, hoping shame would persuade him to abandon his beliefs. In a moment of courageous humility, he famously replied: “Fornicator I always was; heretic I never was.”

On July 9, 1572, he was hanged with 18 other clergy in Brielle. These martyrs, known collectively as the Martyrs of Gorkum, included Franciscans, secular priests, and members of other religious orders. Their unwavering fidelity to the Church in the face of persecution became a powerful symbol of Catholic resistance to religious coercion.

St. Andrew Wouters was canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867, along with his fellow Gorkum martyrs. Their feast is celebrated on July 9 each year. He stands as a testament that God uses even imperfect people to bear witness to His truth and that courage can shine even through the cracks of human weakness.

Feast Day

9-7-

Birth Date

1-10-1542

Died Date

9-7-1572

Canonised Date

29-6-1867

Brielle, South Holland, Netherlands

"Saint Andrew Wouters, faithful servant of God, Guide us in our struggles, and help us find strength in our faith. Intercede for us, that we may live with courage, love, and devotion. Grant us your wisdom, that we may walk in the light of Christ each day. Amen."
ST. ANDREW WOUTERS

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ST. ANDREW WOUTERS

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