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 …More