St. Henry Heath

St. Henry Heath was an English Franciscan priest and martyr, executed for his Catholic faith under anti-Catholic laws in 17th-century England.

St. Henry Heath was born on December 16, 1599, in Peterborough, England, into a Protestant family. Educated at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, he excelled in his studies and initially pursued an academic life. However, during his time at university, he began to explore the teachings of the Catholic Church and eventually converted to Catholicism — a dangerous and illegal act in Protestant England at the time.

After his conversion, Heath adopted the name Paul of St. Magdalene and traveled to Douai, France, where he joined the English College to study for the priesthood. He later entered the Franciscan Order at Douai, embracing the humble and austere life of the Friars Minor. After his ordination, he volunteered to return to England to minister secretly to persecuted Catholics, fully aware that doing so could lead to his death.

In 1643, just days after arriving back in England, Fr. Henry was arrested while attempting to travel on foot to London. He was discovered carrying items identifying him as a Catholic priest, and under the penal laws of the time, this was considered treason. He was imprisoned, tried, and condemned to death.

On April 1, 1643, Henry Heath was executed at Tyburn by hanging, drawing, and quartering — the standard method of execution for Catholic priests. He met his death with profound serenity, offering his life for the glory of God and the conversion of England.

St. Henry Heath was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, a group of men and women who gave their lives during the Reformation and were formally recognized for their unwavering fidelity to the Catholic faith.

Feast Day

1-4-

Birth Date

16-12-1599

Died Date

1-4-1643

Canonised Date

25-10-1970

Tyburn, London, England

"Saint Henry, faithful servant of God, pray for us. Guide us in our daily lives with your wisdom and humility. Help us to lead with justice, compassion, and devotion, just as you did during your reign. Intercede for us before God, that we may grow in holiness and remain steadfast in our faith. Amen."
ST. HENRY HEATH

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