Richard Sergeant was an English Roman Catholic priest and writer who lived during the 16th century. After studying at the University of Oxford, he traveled to the English College in Reims to pursue his religious vocation. He was ordained as a priest in Laon in 1583 and returned to England later that year. Due to his religious activities, he was indicted at the Old Bailey under the alias Richard Lea. He was executed at Tyburn in 1586 for his priesthood and for entering the country in violation of contemporary laws.
Life and ministry
Likely the son of Thomas Sergeant, he completed his studies at Oxford before moving to Reims in 1581. Following his progression through the orders of subdeacon and deacon, he celebrated his first Mass in April 1583. He eventually returned to his homeland, where his presence was considered illegal under the Act of 1584.
Veneration
He is recognized as a blessed martyr within the Catholic Church. In 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified him alongside his companion, William Thomson. The Catholic tradition commemorates these two men on May 4.