Nicholas Pieck

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Saint Nicholas Pieck
Friar Minor, Martyr
Born	29 August, 1534, Gorkum, Holland
Died	9 July, 1572, Briel, Holland
Beatified	24 November, 1675, by Pope Clement X
Canonized	29 June, 1867, by Pope Pius IX
Major shrine	Briel
Feast	9 July
We must always serve God with cheerfulness. Saint Nicholas

Nicholas Pieck was the son of John Pieck and Henriea Clavia, devout Catholics. He was sent to college at 's-Hertogenbosch, and as soon as he had completed his classical studies he received the habit of the Friars Minor at the convent in that town. Nicholas was ordained a priest in 1558, devoting himself to the apostolic ministry. He was appointed guardian of the convent at Gorkum, his native town.

He preached against Calvinism. In particular, he preached the dogma of the Real Presence. In June 1572, the citadel of Gorkum was taken by the Watergeuzen. Nicholas and eight other Franciscans were captured and tortured. Other priests were captured, bringing the total to 19. They were taken to Briel in July. The commander of the Watergeuzen, William II de la Marck, promised them freedom of they would renounce the authority of the pope. None did. They were hanged July 9, 1572, and became known as the Martyrs of Gorkum.

This article incorporates text from the entry St. Nicholas Pieck in the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.