A Catholic Rose

Saint Oliver Plunkett

1625 - 1681

Feast Day: July 1

Patronage: Peace and Reconciliation in Ireland

Born in Ireland, he studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there in 1654. After some years of teaching and service to the poor of Rome, he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland. Four years later, in 1673, a new wave of anti-Catholic persecution began, forcing Archbishop Plunkett to do his pastoral work in secrecy and disguise and to live in hiding. He was viewed as ultimately responsible for any rebellion or political activity among his parishioners. He was arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle in 1679, but his trial was moved to London. A jury found him guilty of fomenting revolt. He was hanged, drawn and quartered in July 1681.