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Saint of the Week:

A Saint is often an ordinary person who has lived an extraordinary life of virtue and faith. As Catholics we should use these exemplars to inspire us in our daily lives.


July 2 - St. Oliver Plunkett (1629-1681)


St. Oliver Plunkett was born in Loughcrew, County Meath, Ireland in1629. He came from a prosperous family and had an aristocratic Irish heritage. His early education was guided by his cousin Patrick, Abbot of St. Mary's in Dublin and who would later become a Bishop. This was a difficult time in Ireland as war was being waged between Catholics and Protestants. An excellent student who felt a calling for the priesthood, he was sent to Rome where he attended the Irish College. He was ordained in 1654 but could not return to Ireland. Cromwell had defeated the Irish Catholics and .the practice of Roman Catholicism was banned. Practicing Catholic Clergy were arrested and executed. Oliver remained in Rome for a number of years and became a Professor of Theology at the Propaganda Fide. It was here that he was made Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland but he did not actually arrive in Ireland until 1670. This was a more tolerant time and he went about rebuilding the Faith. Unfortunately, the persecution of Catholics would soon begin again and Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and tried for treason. No witnesses would testify against him in Ireland so he was moved to London were he was found guilty by an all Protestant jury. He was hanged, drawn & quartered on July 1, 1681. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975.



This week pray a Rosary in his honor, his feast day is July 2nd.
2 Responses
  1. PJ Says:

    LOL! Hey Gal! I almost cracked up. I had clicked on "Edit Posts" on my dash board and while waiting for just a couple of seconds, I saw the name Plunkett out of the corner of my eye. I had to go back and do a double-take That is my Brother-in-law and Sister's last name. He is an Evangelist. He says he is non-denominational, but leans toward Pentecostal. God Bless,
    PJ


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