The English College of Douai, France, founded by Cardinal William Allen on the 29th of September, 1568, played a crucial role in the religious history of England and Wales. This institution was primarily established to offer a refuge for English exiles and provide them an opportunity to continue their Catholic education, which had become nearly impossible in England due to religious strife. Over time, the college evolved into a significant center for training missionary priests, ready to return to England and advocate for Catholicism.

A staggering number of 160 priests trained at Douai faced martyrdom upon their return to England and Wales over the century that followed the college’s inception. This was during a period of intense religious persecution, and these individuals bravely accepted their fate while striving to reestablish Catholicism in their homeland. In recognition of their sacrifices, 80 of these alumni were beatified in 1929.

The college’s impact was profound, with the first martyr, St Cuthbert Mayne, making the ultimate sacrifice in 1577, and the last, Thomas Thwing, meeting a similar fate in 1680. During this time, a diverse group of 158 college members, encompassing priests and laymen, seculars and religious individuals, lost their lives for their faith.

Unfortunately, the college itself faced suppression in 1793, leading to the imprisonment of its members for over a year. Upon their release in November 1794, they briefly returned to Douai before finally making their way back to England. Their new chapter began at Old Hall Green, Ware, with the college dedicating its mission to St Edmund of Canterbury.

Spanning from Cuthbert Mayne in 1577 to Thomas Thwing in 1680, these individuals from various backgrounds and years made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy of faith and resilience.

Photo credit: Lawrence OP CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED via Flickr
Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

10 COMMENTS

  1. Just curious what my fellow Catholics would think these men would feel about a Pope who celebrates the Reformation? Interesting thinking….

  2. Holy Martyrs, pray for us. For Mr. Christian Loques and both women stabbed/beheaded today in France inside Notre Dame Church in Nice. Lord God the Father Almighty, forgive the desecration and atrocity of this Islamic attack on Catholicism with justice and mercy, since half the world seems to be manipulated by evil if not full possession. Dialogue is fruitless, our own hierarchy has betrayed us for decades, so their silence is not surprising in the least since they have lost all credibility through repetitive fraud, deception, theft, abuse, and a devastating lack of integrity. May the divine assistance remain always with us and may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon them.
    Ecce Crucem Domini!
    Fugite partes adversae!
    Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
    Radix David! Alleluia!
    Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. For Italy.
    Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. For Rome.
    Saints Jean d’Arc, Catherine Labouré and Vincent de Paul, Michael Gabriel and Raphael the Archangels, rally France to massive internal conversion of sinners and unbelievers. Appeal to their hearts not their arrogant intellect. Amen.

  3. Lord Jesus Christ, you grant freedom to those who seek you. Give us freedom to walk in your way of love and to praise and worship you always. Show us how we can bring your mercy and healing love to those in need around us. Amen.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here