Blessed Edward Coleman | Martyr of the Popish Plot | Feast Day: December 3 | Catechism for Kids
Blessed Edward Coleman (1636–1678) was an English Catholic layman whose courage and faith shone brightly during one of the most turbulent and unjust moments in English history. His feast day is celebrated on December 3rd. Born into a strict Puritan household, Edward surprised everyone by converting to Catholicism as a young man. He eventually served as secretary to Mary of Modena, the Catholic wife of James, Duke of York — which placed him right at the centre of the political tensions of the time. Edward longed for religious freedom and wrote letters hoping to gain support for ending anti-Catholic laws in England. These letters were not treasonous — but they were later used against him when a liar named Titus Oates invented the fake “Popish Plot,” a completely fabricated conspiracy that claimed Catholics wanted to kill King Charles II. Edward was arrested, given an unfair trial, and condemned to death even though no real evidence proved him guilty. On December 3, 1678, he was executed at Tyburn, proclaiming his innocence and professing his Catholic faith with peace and courage. The Church honours him as a martyr, a witness to truth, integrity, and steadfast faith even in the face of hatred and lies. In this episode kids will learn: Who Blessed Edward Coleman was What the Popish Plot was and why it was false How anti-Catholic laws affected daily life Why Edward’s letters were misunderstood How he bravely died for his faith What a martyr is and why we honour them
Lesson for Kids: God calls us to be truthful, brave, and faithful — even when it is difficult. Blessed Edward shows that courage doesn’t always look like fighting; sometimes it looks like standing peacefully for what is right.
Educated at Cambridge. Convert to Catholicism. Secretary to the duchess of York. Falsely condemned as being part of the Titus Oates Plot. Martyr.
Born
Suffolk, England
Died
hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn, London, England on 3 December 1678
Venerated
8 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI (decree of martyrdom)
Beatified
15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
St Joseph's Corner