Villehad of Denmark was a Danish Catholic priest and a member of the Franciscan order who lived from 1482 to 1572. He is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Gorkum, a group of nineteen clerics executed during the Dutch Revolt. Having fled his homeland to escape religious persecution, he was eventually captured by the Watergeuzen in the Netherlands. He chose to face death rather than renounce his Catholic faith, becoming a significant figure of martyrdom during the religious conflicts of the 16th century.
Life and death
Born in Denmark, Villehad joined the Franciscans and later lived in the Netherlands. In 1572, during the Dutch Revolt, he was among the religious figures captured by the Watergeuzen in Gorkum. After being held and tortured in Brielle, he was offered his life if he would renounce specific Catholic doctrines. He refused these terms, leading to his execution by hanging on 9 July 1572.
Veneration
Villehad is commemorated as a saint within the Catholic Church. He is honored alongside the other eighteen martyrs of Gorkum. The group was beatified in 1675 and later canonized in 1867. His feast day is observed annually on 9 July, marking the anniversary of his death.